Influence of fiber–matrix interface on abrasive wear performance of polymer composites

Abstract

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Present address: MED, Shri G S Institute of Technology & Science, 23, Park Road, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452003, India.

Surface treatment of carbon fibers (CFs) is an excellent way to enhance the fiber–matrix adhesion. However, this is generally at a cost of deterioration in the strength of a fiber. The two effects in opposite directions control the net strength of a composite. The weightage of each factor depends on the selected method and dose. Authors have recently reported on three fiber-treatment techniques (using various doses) such as that with nano-YbF₃ (new method); cold remote nitrogen–oxygen plasma (newer one) and γ rays apart from one traditional method of acid oxidation of a fiber. In the present paper, comparative aspects (benefits and limitations) of all these four methods are discussed to enable a right selection of a surface treatment technique of CF to design the composite with a right combination of strength and wear resistance in abrasive wear mode. The composites with these surface treated fabrics and polyetherimide matrix were developed and evaluated for various properties including abrasive wear performance. Specific wear rate of HNO₃ treated composite was lowest among these composites while plasma treated composites showed least improvement. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of worn surfaces showed mechanisms responsible for improved performance of treated composites and high wear rate of untreated composites.