Effect of Carbon Fiber Surface Microstructure on Composite Interfacial Property Based on Image Quantitative...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Science
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Carbon fiber (CF) surface microstructure significantly influences surface roughness (Ra) and composite interfacial properties.
• Quantitative characterization of CF surface microstructure and its effect on interfacial properties remains challenging.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for advancing CF composite applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a quantitative, image-based technique for characterizing CF surface microstructure.
• To investigate the relationship between CF surface groove parameters and interfacial properties.
• To propose a new interface bonding mechanism for CF composites.

Main Methods:

• An image-based technique was developed to calculate cross-section perimeter, area, and groove parameters (number, width, depth) of five CF types.
• Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was measured using the micro-droplet debonding test.
• IFSS was modified by the calculated realistic perimeter.

Main Results:

• The developed technique accurately characterized CF surface microstructures.
• A strong correlation was found between the calculated CF cross-section perimeter and specific surface area.
• The CF cross-section perimeter showed strong consistency with composite interfacial properties.

Conclusions:

• The quantitative characterization technique provides valuable insights into CF surface microstructure.
• A defect capture-based composite interface bonding mechanism was proposed.
• This work offers a guiding principle for CF surface modification and interface bonding theories.