Interfacial properties of carbon fiber-reinforced biobased resin composites by single fiber fragmentation, fiber push-out, and interlaminar shear strength

The present study examines the interfacial properties of carbon fiber biobased resin composites by comparing the test methods such as the single fiber fragmentation test, fiber push-out test, and interlaminar shear strength test. The composites were fabricated using a cold vacuum-assisted resin infusion method for the preparation of fiber push-out and interlaminar shear test specimens. The interfacial adhesion from the three different test methods is analyzed and compared to determine their relative effectiveness in evaluating interfacial adhesion. Plasma treatment is performed on the carbon fibers and the interfacial shear stress is evaluated by conducting the push-out test. The surface characterization of the carbon fibers is done by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate the influence of the plasma treatment on the fiber surface. Plasma treatment resulted in significant improvement in the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix. Highlights: Analysis and comparison of interfacial adhesion by several test methods. Single fiber fragmentation and push-out tests with IFSS of 40.5 and 42.2 MPa. Plasma surface treatment improved the IFSS by 88.1%. Surface characterization of treated and untreated fibers by SEM and XPS.