Surface properties and interfacial adhesion studies of aramid fibres modified by gas plasmas

The surface of aramid (Kevlar 49) fibre was modified by NH3, O2 or H2O plasmas in order to improve the adhesion to epoxy resin. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and static secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SSIMS) were used to identify the chemical compositions and functional groups of the plasma-treated fibre surface, respectively. The surface topography and mechanical properties of plasma-treated fibres were also investigated. After plasma treatments, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of aramid-fibre/epoxy-resin composites, as measured by the microbond pull-out technique, was markedly improved (43–83% improvement) and the fibre strength was only little affected (less than 10% loss). Significant improvement in the IFSS principally resulted from forming the covalent bonds between the newly reactive functionalities at the modified fibre surfaces and the epoxides of the resin.