ABSTRACT
The interphase in polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials was postulated in the mid-1970s by Sharpe [1] and has received considerable research attention over the past 15-20 years [2-21]. The interphase region is thought to be extremely
important to PMCs due to its position between the bulk reinforcing fiber and the bulk matrix, and is critical for the transfer of load between the matrix and fiber. The size, properties and effects of the interphase are, in general, quite system-dependent. For instance, interphases between 3 nm and 3 /xm in thickness, and both more or less stiff than the surrounding matrix have been found in different systems [12].
