ABSTRACT
Carbon fibers are produced with high strength and modulus and can be incorporated in a range of matrix materials. When a load is applied to the carbon fiber composite, the stress is transferred from one carbon filament to another via the matrix material. If a weak fiber-resin bond is present, then it will result in poor mechanical properties, such as low interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), which is attributed to a lack of bonding between the resin matrix and fiber filaments. Generally, this problem can be overcome by some form of surface treatment of the fiber, but if the bond is too strong, then the composite may become brittle and weak. However, too little treatment and the composite will remain weak, so it is most important to establish an optimum level of surface treatment for a given fiber and matrix system. High modulus fibers will require maximum treatment in order to give acceptable properties.
