Surface grafting modification of carbon fibers by γ-ray pre-irradiation and plasma technique

Surface of carbon fibers was grafted with acrylic acid by means of γ-ray pre-irradiation and plasma technique respectively. The physical-chemical state of carbon fiber surface after treatment was characterized by using SEM and XPS methods. Modification effects were evaluated on the basis of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). The grafting process of two kinds of modification techniques was preliminarily discussed. Both pre-irradiation and plasma technique produce etching on the surface of carbon fiber and insert containing-oxygen functional groups into it. which results in the increase of interface adhesive properties between carbon fiber and resin matrix. Although the grafting effect of γ-ray pre-irradiation is lower than that of plasma technique, it has some advantages, such as low cost, easy-batch treatment, reinforcing strength of fiber itself. Therefore the γ-ray pre-irradiation is a promising technique.