Effect of sizing on the interfacial shear strength of carbon fiber/epoxy resin monofilament composite

The single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT) was used to measure the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of sized and unsized CF800/epoxy resin monofilament composite in order to evaluate the effect of sizing respectively. Besides, the interfacial reinforcing mechanism was explored by analyzing the surface morphology of the carbon fibers, the wettability between the carbon fibers and the epoxy resin, and the chemical characteristics of the fiber surface. Moreover, the effect of sizing on heat and humidity resistance of interface was investigated by aging test. The results show that sizing improves IFSS of CF800/epoxy resin monofilament composite by 59% through increasing the functional groups containing oxygen and through enhancing wettability, while after sizing the heat and humidity resistance of interface is decreased.