Plasma treatment of bio-based and recycled carbon fibres for eco-composites

Abstract

The use of bio-based and recycled fibres as reinforcement for composites has been recently under investigation. However, the low interfacial adhesion between fibre and matrix has a strong influence on composite mechanical properties. In this study, flax and recycled carbon fibres were evaluated for their incorporation in composites, and treated with low pressure plasma to improve the interfacial adhesion. Composites’ flexural and tensile properties, as well as fibre surface properties were evaluated. Results indicated that the plasma treatment was capable of increasing surface roughness and introducing surface polar groups onto the fibres. Mechanical test results showed, in some cases, an improvement on the mechanical performance of the composites reinforced with plasma-treated fibres.