Study on on the Flow Characteristics of the Epoxy Resin w.r.t. Sizing Materials of Carbon Fibers

Abstract

This paper aims to study flow characteristics of epoxy resin w.r.t. the sizing agents treated on the carbon fibers which have the same surface morphologies before sizing treatment. Dynamic contact angle (DCA) was measured to evaluate wettability of a single carbon fiber. Wicking test and Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) were performed to find relation between DCA measurement results and impregnation characteristics. In addition, surface properties of the carbon fibers such as surface free energy and chemical compositions were measured and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between the carbon fiber and the resin were experimentally characterized by using micro-droplet tests. According to these experimental results, the sizing agent for carbon fibers should have appropriate level of surface free energy and good chemical compatibility with the resin to reconcile resin flow characteristics and interfacial strength.