Thermoplastic Sizing of Carbon Fibres in High Temperature Polyimide Composites

Thermoplastic sizing of various carbon fibres has been evaluated as a means of controlling the microcracking resistance, transflexural strength (TFS), and thermo-oxidative stability (TOS) of PMR-15 matrix composites. Four different fibre/thermoplastic size combinations were selected for this study, based on their higher TOS than appropriate controls. Data are presented for the transverse microcrack (TVM) density/inch, and the subsequent delamination of [0,90]_4s laminates induced by thermal cycling (-196 to 350°C for 20 cycles). Results for composite TFS, conditioned TFS (after heating in air at 350°C), and TOS (350°C and 316°C) are also reported. One fibre/thermoplastic size combination gave both good microcracking resistance, and significantly improved TOS, in composite when compared with current commercially-available material.