Characterization of surface physico-chemistry and morphology of plasma-sized carbon fiber

Abstract Carbon fiber (CF) surfaces were prepared in order to enhance their cohesion in polymer matrixes for composite applications. Among innovative methods allowing the modification of CF surface, plasma technologies, and more specifically on plasma polymerization is known as an eco-process that allows to size, i.e. to coat the CF strands with organic polymer materials. Depending on plasma parameters and chosen organic precursors, the thin film surface physico-chemistry can be tuned to enhance the plasma-processed CF surface properties. The chemical composition, as well as the effect of thin film thickness, were linked to wettability and surface free energy of the coated CFs. Among the different plasma polymers, plasma-poly(acetylene) is characterized with higher deposition rate and was the most efficient for improving the wettability of CF surface. Surface chemistry and thickness appear to be the key parameter of controlling the CF surface wettability.