The structure of γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on glass fiber surfaces: Characterization by FTIR, SEM, and contact angle measurements

Abstract The purpose of this article is to determine the structure of γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ‐GPS) on glass fiber surfaces. The interfacial adhesion of glass fiber–polymer can be improved by the silane treatment of the glass fiber. To change the composition of the glass and regenerate to the hydroxyl groups, activation pretreatment of heat cleaned woven glass fabric was performed using a 10% (v/v) hydrochloric acid aqueous solution for different durations before silane treatment. The treatment of silanization of heat cleaned and acid activated glass fibers with (γ‐GPS) were conducted at various time intervals. These fibers would be used to quantify the relationship between contact angle of glass fiber surface and the interfacial shear strength of the fiber–polymer interface. The effect of acid activation on glass surface and the interaction between glass fibers and silane coupling agent were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The experiments, in conjunction with electron photomicrographs of glass surfaces treated with coupling agent, are interpreted in an attempt to explain the stability of coupling agent‐glass interfaces. From SEM analysis, it was clearly observed that agglomerations of silane agent in the cavities among the heat cleaned fibers are available. However, this case was not observed for the silanization of acid activated glass fibers. In addition, contact angle measurements on glass fibers were performed to evaluate surface structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers