Influence of argon plasma treatment on interfacial performance of CFRP at high temperature

This study introduces a novel approach to significantly enhance the interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites at elevated temperatures. Utilizing argon plasma treatment significantly boosted the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the CF/PI composite when subjected to high temperatures. An optimal treatment condition, utilizing a power setting of 200 W, facilitated a 33.37% enhancement in ILSS over the untreated CF/PI composite at 300 °C, demonstrated an 89.39% retention of ILSS at the same temperature, and preserved ILSS at 77.90 MPa at 350 °C. At an optimal plasma treatment power, the fiber surface exhibited protrusions; surface roughness augmented to 181.90 nm, and the AD/AG ratio (the ratio of integral intensity between the Raman’s D-peak and G-peak) increased to 2.692. These modifications are identified as crucial factors in the improvement of the ILSS of the CF/PI composite at elevated temperatures.