Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Kevlar 49 Reinforced Epoxy Composites through Fiber Treatment
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Abstract
The experimental studies have aimed at the improvement of the interfacial adhesion between the Kevlar 49 (K49) fibers and the epoxy matrix by means of different chemical surface treatments. For surface treatment of fiber, Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), Nitric Acid (HNO3) and Maleic Anhydride (C4H2O3) treatments were considered. Corresponding treated K49 fibers are denoted as APTESK49FS, NAK49FS and MAK49FS respectively. Composites were manufactured from untreated (UK49FS) and all types of treated K49 fibers. The composites fabricated using chemically treated K49 fibers showed significant improvement in mechanical properties over the untreated composites. APTESK49FS/Epoxy composites were the best of the treated fibers in terms of mechanical properties. Fractured surfaces of the composites were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images indicate a substantial enhancement in interfacial adhesion of APTESK49FS and epoxy matrix suggesting better dispersion of APTESK49FS in the epoxy matrix after treatment.
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