Sizing agent on the carbon fibers surface and interface properties of its composites

The effect of sizing agent on the carbon fiber and interface of its composites was evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic contact angle analysis test (DCAT), interlaminar shear strength and hygrothermal ageing of unidirectional composites. The location of composite failure was also observed, relative to the fiber/matrix interface. Results indicated that the sizing agent plays an important role in improving the surface property and interfacial adhesion of carbon fibers composites. The XPS result shows that C-C was the major carbon functional component on the surface of carbon fibers samples. -C-OH, -C-OR and -C=N on the HIT sized carbon fibers were more than that of J-1 sized carbon fibers. HIT has better ILSS and ageing resistance than that of the sizing agent J-1 sized fiber.