Mechanical property improvements of neutron-irradiated carbon fibers are reviewed, and an experiment is described which verifies that mechanical properties of carbon-epoxy laminates are improved when reinforced with such fibers. Increased flexural and shear strengths of composites are con firmed to result from the use of irradiated fibers. The future potential of radiation treatment of carbon fibers to improve mechanical properties of composites is discussed; it is concluded that the process offers commercial promise.
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