Surface Modification of Aramid Fiber III by the Atmospheric-Pressure Air Plasma Treatment

Aramid fiber III has been treated by plasma treatment on different atmosphere gas to enhance the adhesive force between Aramid fiber III and epoxy matrix. The results of contact angle and SEM indicate that the obvious corrosion appear in the surface of aramid fiber III after plasma treatment. The yarn pull-out method was used to evaluate the effect of surface modification. The contact angle of original aramid fiber III is 65.9 o, and after treated the contact angle is declined to 62.2 o. The evaluation results show the tensile strength and NOL ILSS of treated Aramid fiber III/epoxy composite increased by about 10%. In summary, the effect of plasma treatment is obvious and has potential industry application.