Probing thermoplastic matrix-carbon fiber interphases. 1. Preferential segregation of low molar mass chains to the interface

The molecular mobility of polystyrene (PS) chains near the surface of carbon fibers was investigated. The glass transition temperature of very thin coatings deposited on carbon fibers was measured by supported DMTA in order to probe the properties of the thermoplastic interphase. Depending on the fiber impregnation method from the melt or from solution, T-g changed in an opposite way for the thinnest coatings, decreasing with coating thickness in the case of impregnation in the melt and increasing when a polymer solution was used. This observation is explained by degradation of PS in the melt and subsequent preferential segregation of low molar mass chains to the interface. This conclusion is supported by the study of the T-g of coatings made from a bimodal molar mass distribution.