Abstract
Aramid fibers are high-strength and high-modulus technical fibers used in protective clothing, such as bulletproof vests and helmets, as well as in industrial applications, such as tires and brake pads. However, their full potential is not currently utilized due to adhesion problems to matrix materials. In this paper, we study how the introduction of mechanical adhesion between aramid fibers and matrix material the affects adhesion properties of the fiber in both thermoplastic and thermoset matrix. A microwave-induced surface modification method is used to create nanostructures to the fiber surface and a high throughput microbond method is used to determine changes in interfacial shear strength with an epoxy (EP) and a polypropylene (PP) matrix. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the surface morphology of the fibers and differences in failure mechanism at the fiber-matrix interface. We were able to increase interfacial shear strength (IFSS) by 82 and 358%, in EP and PP matrix, respectively, due to increased surface roughness and mechanical adhesion. Also, aging studies were conducted to confirm that no changes in the adhesion properties would occur over time.
Highlights
Rosaria PlutinoPara-aramid, poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide), fibers are highly crystalline synthetic fibers with high tensile strength, excellent chemical and abrasion resistance and high melting point
As the color gradient in atomic force microscopy (AFM) phase contrast image is a combination of topographical details as well as changes in mechanical and adhesive properties, a contrast in color is created when the chemical and physical properties change in the imaged area
This work explored the effect of nanostructures on the interfacial adhesion of aramid fiber in both a thermoplastic and a thermoset matrix and related the results to an elastomeric matrix from a previous study
Summary
Para-aramid, poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide), fibers are highly crystalline synthetic fibers with high tensile strength, excellent chemical and abrasion resistance and high melting point. They even outrank carbon fiber in impact and wear resistance while having higher a strength-to-weight ratio [1,2,3]. The adhesion issues with aramid fibers arise from the surface structure of the fiber, which is very smooth and chemically inert, lacking in reactive side groups [4,5] To overcome this phenomenon, surface treatments are used, which traditionally promote either physical or chemical adhesion with the matrix. These methods are often suitable for only one type of matrix
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