Performance improvement of aramid/epoxy composite by surface treatment of aramid fiber

The surface of Aramid fiber was chemically modified in order to improve the mechanical properties of Aramid fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Amine functional group was introduced on the fiber surface by bromination followed by amination. Amine functional group was identified by FTIR DRIFT technique. The interlaminar shear strength and flexural properties of the composites increased due to the improved interfacial adhesion through the amine functional group. Aramid fiber surface and fractured surface of the composites were investigated with scanning electron microscopy. It was assumed that amination reaction induced not only the physical adhesion through morphological change but also the chemical adhesion due to the amine functional group.