Interfacial Shear Strengths of Carbon Fibers in Bisphenol-A Polycarbonate

Interfacial shear strengths of AS4 and AU4 carbon fibers in pure BPA-polycarbonate and commercial Lexan 141 polycarbonate were measured with the single fiber fragmentation test. Specimens were prepared both by matrix deposition from methylene chloride followed by equilibration at temperatures below Tg and by hot pressing above Tg with and without the use of a solvent. Stress transfer in the hot pressed specimens showed substantial improvement over the poorly adhered solvent deposition specimens. Increasing consolidation time and temperature inproved shear strength in the pure polycarbonate specimens. Lexan matrix specimens appeared to reach a lower, limiting shear strength which was not significantly changed by increasing consolidation time, temperature, or pressure, or by the presence of solvent.