Effects of surface characteristics of F-12 polymeric fibers on the mechanical properties of F-12/epoxy composites

The effects of the surface properties and skin-core structure of F-12 high-performance polymeric fibers on the mechanical properties of F-12 fiber-reinforced epoxy composite were investigated. Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy were employed to characterize the microstructure and surface-elemental analysis of the F-12 fiber. Mechanical properties of the composite, such as interfacial shear strength, interlaminar shear strength, flexural modulus and flexural strength were tested. The results clearly show the skin-core structure and surface properties of F-12 fiber have great effects on the water absorption rate and mechanical performances of the composites.