Cold nitrogen plasma treated glass fiber warp knitted structural composites: mechanical properties and response surface analysis

This study reveals the characterization and mechanical properties of glass fiber warp knit structural fabric/vinyl ester resin composites treated by cold nitrogen glow discharge plasma. The effects of nitrogen plasma treating parameters (including power, flow rate, and time) on tensile and bending properties of glass fiber warp knit structural composites were investigated. It was shown that nitrogen plasma treatment enhanced the tensile and bending property of the glass fiber warp knit structural composites. SEM, FTIR and AFM characterized etching existing on the surface, C-N and N-H groups were introduced, and varying degrees of roughness. The response surface analysis represented that the nitrogen plasma treated glass fiber warp knit structural composites obtained optimized bending properties with the power ranging from 130 W to 160 W, the flow rate ranging from 8sccm to 9sccm, and the time ranging from 100s to 110s.