composites · materials
Carbon fiber surface treatment study
Undergraduate Research Assistant · University of Michigan Aerospace Engineering
Overview
Investigated the effect of chemical surface treatments on interfacial bonding strength between carbon fiber and aramid additives in hybrid composite systems. The study aimed to identify treatment protocols that meaningfully improve fiber–matrix adhesion, quantified through both bulk mechanical testing and micro-scale SEM characterization of bonding interfaces.
Approach & methodology
Chemical surface treatments were applied to carbon fiber specimens to modify surface chemistry and roughness prior to composite fabrication. Treated and control specimens were incorporated into hand layups with aramid additives, producing test panels for both mechanical evaluation and microscopy.
Industry-standard structural evaluation tests, including mode I testing and SBSS (Short Beam Shear Strength), quantified the effect of each treatment on bulk bonding performance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided micro-scale characterization of the bonding interface before and after treatment.
Tools & techniques
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), composite hand layup, tensile testing, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) testing, chemical surface treatment processes (oxidative and surface functionalization treatments), carbon fiber and aramid fiber materials handling, specimen preparation for microscopy.
Outcomes & results
Did not spend much time in this lab. No significantly favorable results were found.