Plasma Surface Modification of Kevlar Fibers

Cold plasma techniques were used to treat the surface of Kevlar-49 fibers. The dynamic parameters of wetting, contact-angles and surface energy of the fiber before and alter the treatment were compared to see the changes in the wetting property. ESCA and electron spin resonance were utilized to examine the chemical composition and the attached free radicals of the fiber surface. The results, together with changes in the magnitude of the contact-angle and the number of free radicals with time after the plasma treatment do not show any ageing effect. Single filament test revealed that the tensile strength was not impaired but even improved somewhat after the plasma treatment. The experiment shows that the interlaminar shear strength of Kevlar fiber reinforced epoxy resin compo- site is increased for more than 60％% after the treatment.