Optimization of material parameters for development of polyetherimide composites

Composites based on polyetherimide (PEI) matrix and carbon fabric (CF) with twill weave with two patterns (2 x 2 and 4 x 4) were developed and evaluated for physical, mechanical and tribological (fretting/low amplitude oscillating wear) performance. Another composite based on 2 x 2 twill weave fabric but treated with cold nitrogen plasma to enhance fiber-matrix adhesion was also developed. XPS analyses of CF indicated inclusion of -C=O and -COOH functional groups on fiber surface which improved the wettability of fibers with matrix leading to enhancement in adhesion with matrix and hence improvement in performance properties. It was observed that composites reinforced with 4 x 4 weave performed better than that with 2 x 2 weave while plasma treated composite was the best in all properties. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.