• Composites Research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.74-79
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• 2003

Comparison of interfacial properties and microfailure mechanisms of oxygen-plasma treated poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole(PBO. Zylon) and poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide)(PPTA, Kevlar) fibers/ epoxy composites were investigated using micromechanical technique and nondestructive acoustic emission(AE). Interfacial shear strength(IFSS) and work of adhesion, Wa of PBO or Kevlar fibers/epoxy composites increased by oxygen-plasma treatment. Plasma-treated Kevlar fiber shooed the maximum critical surface tension and polar term, whereas the untreated PBO fiber showed the minimum value. Microfibril fracture pattern of plasma-treated Kevlar fiber appeared obviously. Based on the propagation of microfibril failure toward core region. the number of AE events for plasma-treated PBO and Kevlar fibers increased significantly. The results oi nondestructive AE were consistent well with microfailure modes by optical observation in microdroplet and two-fiber composites tests.