Modification of the carbon fiber surface with a copper coating for composite materials with epoxy

Abstract Surface treatment of carbon fibers is essential to provide adequate interfacial interaction, and strength in carbon fiber/epoxy composites. The electrodeposition of a metallic copper coating on the carbon fiber surface has been examined as an alternative method to improve carbon fiber-epoxy interfacial properties. The wettability of the carbon fiber by the epoxy resin was improved as a result of copper electrodeposition. As a consequence, the adhesion between the carbon fiber and epoxy was also greatly improved by the surface electrolytic treatment used. The electrodeposition conditions affected significantly both wettability and adhesion phenomena. The electrolytic current had a strong effect on the interface performance. It was found that there was an intermediate electrolytic current, within the range used, which promoted better wetting and composite strength, compared with conventionally surface-oxidized carbon fibers. Keywords: Carbon fiberepoxycomposite materialssurface treatmentwettinginterfacial strength