Graphite Fibre-Epoxy Matrix Interface Interactions

Abstract

Studies of fibre-epoxy resin matrix model composites show that the “tensile debond” test is not applicable to carbon or graphite fibres. Fibre fracture occurs under the compression strains involved relieving interface stresses and precluding subsequent debond. Calculated minimum bond strengths for pitch-based graphite fibres are similar to results for boron and glass fibres. Interfacial failure is obtained with the “shear debond” test for low and intermediate modulus graphite fibres, but compression fracture also occurs first with high modulus fibres. Pitch-based graphite fibres show a decreasing adhesive interaction with epoxy resin the more oriented the fibre, but results compare favorably with those of other fibres. Surface characterisation shows that all pitch-based graphite fibres exhibit a surface-oriented skin, although surface roughness increases with fibre modulus. The fibres all exhibit similar apparent surface energy characteristics which suggests that wettability does not play a significant role in determining interfacial bond strengths.