Surface modification of Kevlar fibre fabric and its influence on the properties of Kevlar/epoxy composites

Abstract

The present study addresses the enhancement of interfacial interaction between Kevlar and epoxy through surface modification of Kevlar fabric using various chemical treatments. The chemically modified aramid surface was examined by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis and wettability characteristics. The Kevlar/epoxy composites were prepared using the hand lay-up process. Furthermore, the influence of surface modification was validated through the mechanical characteristics of Kevlar/epoxy composites. The study reveals that the chemical treatment of the Kevlar surface increases the polar functional groups and improves the interfacial adhesion between fibre and epoxy. The surface energy, work of adhesion and performance of Kevlar composites were studied for treated and untreated fibres. The tensile and flexural moduli were increased up to 38% in treated Kevlar fibre compared with untreated fibre. It was observed from SEM analysis that adhesive failure bonds rely on chemical bonds at the interface of fibre matrix composites and cohesive failure at the fibre matrix was decreased.