Effect of silane coupling agent and air plasma treatment on interfacial
Silane coupling agent bears alkoxysilane groups and a large number of functional groups which ensure a good compatibility between the reinforcing element and the polymer matrix. There are only a few articles relating to the influences of silane coupling agent on the interfacial shear strength and mechanical performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites, especially for the CF/PPS composites. In this study, CF was first modified by surface coating of silane coupling agent to improve the interfacial adhesion between carbon fiber and PPS resin. Microbond, tensile and flexural tests were conducted to verify the effects of silane coupling agent on the CF/PPS interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties.
The effect of silane coupling agent on τapp values of the CF/PPS composites is presented in Figure 2. The average shear strength “>τ¯app