Effect of sizing agent on interfacial properties of carbon fiber-reinforced PMMA composite

The surface treatment of carbon fibers (CFs) was carried out using a self-synthesized sizing agent. The effects of sizing agent on the surface of CFs and the interface properties of CF/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites were mainly studied. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and static contact angle were used to compare and study the CFs before and after the surface treatment, including surface morphology, surface chemical element composition, and wettability of the surface. The influence of sizing agent on the mechanical properties of CF/PMMA resin composite interface was investigated. The results show that after sizing treatment, the CF surface O/C value increased by 35.1% and the contact angles of CF and resin decreased by 16.2%. The interfacial shear strength and interlayer shear strength increased by 12.6%.