Enhancing the properties of composites by controlling their interphase parameters

The interfacial interaction between reinforcement and polymer was investigated for determining the performance of the composites. Scanning force microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and inverse gas chromatography were used in the study. Interfaces could be created in a controlled way to influence the composite's properties, especially the load transfer through the interphase. It was found that the polymer properties near the fibers differed significantly from those in the bulk matrix. The stress distribution at the fiber-matrix interface could be varied considerably by varying the Young's modulus and the thickness of the interface.