Application of Self Assembled Monolayer Approach to Probe Fiber Matrix-Adhesion

Abstract

ABSTRACTAdhesion at the fiber-matrix interface of composites is often related to a combination of factors such as mechanical interlocking, physico-chemical interactions, and chemical bonding of the fiber-matrix interphase region. We demonstrate the use of self-assembled monolayer (SAMs) approach for depositing silane coupling agent on glass fiber and studying the impact of the individual interactions on the adhesion process. Through some unique chemistry, functionalized and non-functionalized C11 chlorosilanes were deposited on to E-glass fiber and modified. The adhesion of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) cured with meta-phenylene diamine (m-PDA) to SAM layer on E-glass fibers was measured by performing single fiber fragmentation tests (SFFT). The extent of adhesion between the fiber and matrix was found to be dependent on carbon chain length of coupling agents, and the functional group at the end of the SAMs layer. Furthermore, the contributions to adhesion by physico-chemical interaction and covalent bonding has been individually assessed.