Fiber
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Article
Fiber/Matrix Interface in Composite Materials
SpecialChem / Jul 26, 2010
Interfaces are among the most important yet least understood components of a composite material.
In particular, there is a lack of understanding of processes occurring at the atomic level of interfaces,
and how those processes influence the global material behavior. There is a close relationship
between the processes that occur on the atomic, microscopic, and macroscopic levels. In fact,
knowledge of the sequences of events occurring on these different levels is extremely important in
understanding the nature of interfacial phenomena. Interfaces in composites, often considered as
surfaces, are in fact zones of compositional, structural, and property gradients, typically varying in
width from a single atom layer to micrometers. Characterization of the mechanical properties of
interfacial zones is necessary for understanding mechanical behavior. In fact, the mechanical
characteristics of a fiber/resin composite depend primarily on the mechanical properties of the
combined material, the surface of the fiber, and the nature of the fiber/resin bonding as well as the
mode of stress transfer at the interface. Among the many factors that govern the characteristics of
composites involving a fibrous material, such as carbon, glass, or ceramic, and a macromolecular
matrix, it is certain that the adhesion between fiber and matrix plays a predominant part. The stress
transfer at the interface requires an efficient coupling between fiber and matrix. It is important to
optimize the interfacial bonding since a direct linkage between fiber and matrix gives rise to a rigid,
low impact resistance material.
Fiber/Matrix Interface in Composite Materials
SpecialChem / Jul 26, 2010
Interfaces are among the most important yet least understood components of a composite material.
In particular, there is a lack of understanding of processes occurring at the atomic level of interfaces,
and how those processes influence the global material behavior. There is a close relationship
between the processes that occur on the atomic, microscopic, and macroscopic levels. In fact,
knowledge of the sequences of events occurring on these different levels is extremely important in
understanding the nature of interfacial phenomena. Interfaces in composites, often considered as
surfaces, are in fact zones of compositional, structural, and property gradients, typically varying in
width from a single atom layer to micrometers. Characterization of the mechanical properties of
interfacial zones is necessary for understanding mechanical behavior. In fact, the mechanical
characteristics of a fiber/resin composite depend primarily on the mechanical properties of the
combined material, the surface of the fiber, and the nature of the fiber/resin bonding as well as the
mode of stress transfer at the interface. Among the many factors that govern the characteristics of
composites involving a fibrous material, such as carbon, glass, or ceramic, and a macromolecular
matrix, it is certain that the adhesion between fiber and matrix plays a predominant part. The stress
transfer at the interface requires an efficient coupling between fiber and matrix. It is important to
optimize the interfacial bonding since a direct linkage between fiber and matrix gives rise to a rigid,
low impact resistance material.
