ELECTRODEPOSITION OF POLYMERS ON CARBON FIBERS

Styrene-co-maleic anhydride, vinyl acetate-co-maleic anhydride, methyl methacrylate-co-maleic anhydride copolymers were deposited on the surface of carbon fibers by an electrodcposition technique. The anion-free radical mechanism of this process and the physical adhesion to the surface were preliminarily confirmed. The adhesion at fiber-resin matrix interface in carbon fiber reinforced plastics was improved by the electrodeposited polymer interlayer and the shear failure occurred mainly in the matrix. Interlaminar shear strength of the unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite is increased from about 600 kg/cm;to 1000 kg/cm;by electrodeposition of polymers and the strength loss of the composite which has been immersed in boiling water for 100 hrs is decreased.