Continuous surface modification of glass fibers in a roll-to-roll plasma-enhanced CVD reactor for glass fiber/polyester composites. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cech, Vladimir; Marek, Ales; Knob, Antonin; Valter, Jan; Branecky, Martin; Plihal, Petr; Vyskocil, Jiri
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 121(2019)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 253
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: A. Glass fibers -- A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) -- B. Interface/interphase -- E. Chemical vapour deposition (CVD); Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2019.03.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is a cost-effective and green process of plasma polymer synthesis that can be used as a gentle but powerful tool for the surface modification of fibers and retains their bulk properties. This paper introduces the notion of a compact and modular device consisting of low-pressure reactor segments that have a specialized function and are adapted for the continuous modification of fiber surface. A roll-to-roll device, designed on an industrial scale, with a PECVD reactor was used for continuous plasma pretreatment and plasma polymerization coating on 1600 glass fibers in a bundle, with the fibers used as reinforcements in a glass fiber/polyester composite. Optimization of the plasma-processing conditions allowed for the improvement of interfacial adhesion between the glass fibers and polymer matrix, resulting in an increase in the shear strength of the polymer composite by 14%, compared to industrially sized fibers coated by wet chemical processes.