Hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester composites: Optimization of processing and improvement of interfacial adhesion

The processing variables for making hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were optimized through orthogonal experiments. It was found that the usage of initiator, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, had the most significant effect on the tensile strength of the composites. The treatment of hemp fibers with a combination of 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane (DIH) and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) significantly increased tensile strength, flexural modulus of rupture, and flexural modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting hemp‐UPE composites. FTIR spectra revealed that DIH and HEA were covalently bonded to hemp fibers. Scanning electron microscopy graphs of the fractured hemp‐UPE composites demonstrated that treatment of hemp fibers with a combination of DIH and HEA greatly improved the interfacial adhesion between hemp fibers and UPE. The mechanism of improving the interfacial adhesion is proposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Investigation of acrylamide‐modified melamine‐formaldehyde resins as a compatibilizer for kenaf‐unsaturated polyester composites

Kenaf fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. A novel compatibilizer was prepared from melamine, formaldehyde, and acrylamide. The treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer significantly increased the flexural properties and reduced the water uptake of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites. The effects of the total solids content, the molar ratios of melamine/formaldehyde/acrylamide, and the pH value of the compatibilizer solution in the treatment of kenaf fibers on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, as well as the water uptake of the kenaf–UPE composites were studied in detail. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the compatibilizer was covalently bonded to kenaf fibers. Scanning electron microscopy images of the fractured kenaf–UPE composites confirmed that the treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer improved the interfacial adhesion between kenaf fibers and UPE resin. The mechanisms for the improved flexural properties and the reduced water uptake by the treatments of the kenaf fibers were proposed and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of fiber extraction,morphology, and surface modification on the mechanical properties and water absorption of bamboo fibers‐unsaturated polyester composites

Bamboo fibers reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. Effects of fiber extraction, morphology, and chemical modification on the mechanical properties and water absorption of the bamboo fibers‐UPE composites were investigated. Results showed that the unidirectional original bamboo fibers resulting composites demonstrated the highest tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus; the 30–40 mesh bamboo particles resulting composites had the lowest tensile strength and flexural strength, but had comparable flexural modulus with that of chemical pulp fibers. The treatment of bamboo fibers with 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane (DIH) and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) significantly increased the tensile strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus, and water resistance of the resulting composites. Fourier Transform Infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed that DIH and HEA were covalently bonded onto bamboo fibers. Scanning electron microscopic images of the fractured surfaces of the composites showed that the treatment of bamboo fibers greatly improved the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and UPE resins. The water absorption kinetics of the composites was also investigated; and the results showed that the water absorption of the composites fitted Fickian behavior well. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1612–1619, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of Surface Treatments on Mechanical Properties and Water Resistance of Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Abstract

Effects of surface treatments on the strength and water resistance of kenaf fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were investigated. A new coupling agent that consists of 1,6-diisocyanato-hexane (DIH) and 2-hydroxylethyl acrylate (HEA) was investigated for surface treatments of kenaf fibers. The surface treatments were found to significantly enhance the tensile strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that DIH-HEA was covalently bonded onto kenaf fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the composites revealed that chemical treatment of kenaf fibers with a combination of DIH and HEA improved the interfacial adhesion between kenaf fibers and UPE resin in the DIH–HEA-treated kenaf–UPE composites. The mechanisms by which the chemical treatment of kenaf fiber surfaces improved strength and water resistance of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites were discussed.     

Chemical treatment of wood fiber and its reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

In order to enhance the interfacial adhesion between wood fiber and an unsaturated polyester matrix (UPE), acrylic acid (acrylic acid)/poly(methyl methacrylate), and (acrylic acid)/silanization (AAS) were used to treat the wood fibers. The mechanical properties and the impact fracture surfaces of the prepared composites were measured and characterized, and the fracture mechanism of these kinds of composites was analyzed. The results showed that the AAS composites possessed the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties. When the weight fraction of wood fiber was 16%, the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the AAS composites were increased by 28.9 and 51.8%, respectively, compared to those of untreated composites. The highest tensile strength and lowest water absorption were also noted for AAS composites. These composites possessed the strongest interfacial adhesion between wood fiber and the UPE matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:18–24, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of fiber surface treatment on the properties of biocomposites from nonwoven industrial hemp fiber mats and unsaturated polyester resin

Biocomposites were made with nonwoven hemp mats and unsaturated polyester resin (UPE). The hemp fiber volume fraction was optimized by mechanical testing. The effect of four surface treatments of industrial hemp fibers on mechanical and thermal properties of biocomposites was studied. The treatments done were alkali treatment, silane treatment, UPE (matrix) treatment, and acrylonitrile treatment. Bending strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, tensile modulus, impact strength, storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan δ were evaluated and compared for all composites. The mechanical as well as thermal properties of the biocomposites improved after surface treatments. The properties of the above biocomposites were also compared with E‐glass–mat composite. To achieve balance in properties, a hybrid composite of industrial hemp and glass fibers was made. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1055–1068, 2006     

Effects of methyl methacrylate grafting and polyamide coating on the interfacial behavior and mechanical properties of jute‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites

In recent years, environmentally friendly materials have become popular because of the growing environmental demands in human society. Natural fibers are now widely used as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites for their various advantages such as low cost, light weight, abundant resources, and biodegradability. However, the applications of these kinds of composites are limited because of their unsatisfactory mechanical properties, which are caused by the poor interfacial compatibility between the fibers and the thermoplastic matrix. In this paper, three methods, including (i) alkali treatment, (ii) alkali and methyl methacrylate (MMA) treatment, and (iii) alkali and polyamide (PA) treatment (APT), were used to treat jute fibers and improve the interfacial adhesion of jute‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites (JPCs). The mechanical properties of the JPCs were tested, and their impact fracture surfaces were observed. Infrared spectral analysis showed that MMA was grafted and that PA was coated onto the surface of jute fibers. Mechanical tests indicated that the three kinds of pretreated composites presented better mechanical properties than untreated composites. Among them, the APT composite had the best comprehensive properties. Compared with untreated composites, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of APT composite were increased by 24.8, 31.3, and 28.4%, respectively. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed that better interfacial compatibility between jute fibers and PP occured in this kind of composite. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Surface modification of polyimide fibers by novel alkaline–solvent hydrolysis to form high‐performance fiber‐reinforced composites

We modified polyimide (PI) fibers by a novel hydrolysis approach and fabricated PI‐fiber‐reinforced novolac resin (NR) composites with enhanced mechanical properties. We first used an alkaline–solvent mixture containing potassium hydroxide liquor and dimethylacetamide (DMAc) for the surface modification of the PI fibers. The results indicate that the surface roughness and structure of the PI fibers were controlled by the hydrolysis time and the content of DMAc. With the optimized hydrolysis conditions, the tensile modulus of modified PI fibers improved 15% without compromises in the fracture stress, fracture strain, or thermal stability. The interfacial shear strength between the modified PI fibers and NR increased 57%; this indicated a highly enhanced interfacial adhesion. Finally, the tensile and flexural strengths of the composites increased 72 and 53%, respectively. This research provides an effective method for the surface modification of PI fibers and expands their applications for high‐performance composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46595.     

Reactive compatibilization and performance evaluation of miscanthus biofiber reinforced poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) biocomposites

Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) initiated reactive compatibilization of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/miscanthus fibers (70/30 wt %) based biocomposite was prepared in a twin screw extruder followed by injection molding. In the presence of DCP, both the flexural and the tensile strength of the PHBV/miscanthus composites were appreciably higher compared with PHBV/miscanthus composite without DCP as well as neat PHBV. The maximum tensile strength (29 MPa) and flexural strength (51 MPa) were observed in the PHBV/miscanthus composite with 0.7 phr DCP. The enhanced flexural and tensile strength of the PHBV/miscanthus/DCP composites are attributed to the improved interfacial adhesion by free radical initiator. Unlike flexural and tensile strength, the modulus of the PHBV/miscanthus/DCP composites was found to slightly lower than the PHBV/miscanthus composite. The modulus difference in the PHBV/miscanthus composite with and without DCP has good agreement with the observed crystallinity. However, the flexural and tensile modulus of all the prepared biocomposites was at least two fold higher than the neat PHBV. The storage modulus value of the PHBV/miscanthus and PHBV/miscanthus/DCP biocomposites follows similar trend like tensile and flexural modulus. The melting temperature and crystallization temperature of PHBV/DCP and PHBV/miscanthus/DCP samples were considerably lower compared with the neat PHBV and PHBV/miscanthus composites. The surface morphology revealed that the PHBV/miscanthus/DCP composites have good interface with less fiber pull‐outs compared with the corresponding counterpart without DCP. This suggests that the compatibility between the matrix and the fibers is enhanced after the addition of peroxide initiator. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44860.     

Bio‐composites for structural applications: Poly‐l‐lactide reinforced with long sisal fiber bundles

Fully bio‐based and biodegradable composites were compression molded from unidirectionally aligned sisal fiber bundles and a polylactide polymer matrix (PLLA). Caustic soda treatment was employed to modify the strength of sisal fibers and to improve fiber to matrix adhesion. Mechanical properties of PLLA/sisal fiber composites improved with caustic soda treatment: the mean flexural strength and modulus increased from 279 MPa and 19.4 GPa respectively to 286 MPa and 22 GPa at a fiber volume fraction of V_f = 0.6. The glass transition temperature decreased with increasing fiber content in composites reinforced with untreated sisal fibers due to interfacial friction. The damping at the caustic soda‐treated fibers‐PLLA interface was reduced due to the presence of transcrystalline morphology at the fiber to matrix interface. It was demonstrated that high strength, high modulus sisal‐PLLA composites can be produced with effective stress transfer at well‐bonded fiber to matrix interfaces. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40999.     

Use of an epoxidized oil‐based resin as matrix in vegetable fibers‐reinforced composites

Hemp fibers were used as natural reinforcement in composites of thermosetting vegetal oil based resin. Boards with fibers content from 0 to 65 vol % were produced by hot pressing. The mechanical properties were investigated with flexural testing. The effect of effect has been observed on both modulus and strength, indicating a good fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion, which was confirmed by means of scanning electron microscopy observations. Dynamic mechanical analysis also showed an important reinforcement effect in the polymer rubbery region, where at 180°C the storage modulus increased from 17 MPa for the neat resin to 850 MPa for 65 vol % fiber content composites. It also revealed an glass transition temperature decrease when fiber amount in the composite increased. Additional experiments based on differential scanning calorimetry show a weakly accelerated cure when fibers content increases, which usually lead to a lower T_g. But, this phenomenon alone cannot explain the observed T_g change. Contact angle on hemp evolution with time for the resin components show that anhydride is totally absorbed after a few seconds, whereas contact angle of epoxydized oil decreases slowly. This indicates probably a preferential anhydride absorption that leads to a lower amount of anhydride in the matrix and as a consequence to a reduced T_g. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 4037–4043, 2006     

Unidirectional hemp and flax EP‐ and PP‐composites: Influence of defined fiber treatments

In some technical areas, mainly in the automotive industry, glass fiber reinforced polymers are intended to be replaced by natural fiber reinforced polymer systems. Therefore, higher requirements will be imposed to the physical fiber properties, fiber‐matrix adhesion, and the quality assurance. To improve the properties of epoxy resins (EP) and polypropylene (PP) composites, flax and hemp fibers were modified by mercerization and MAH‐PP coupling agent was used for preparing the PP composites. The effects of different mercerization parameters such as concentration of alkali (NaOH), temperature, and duration time along with tensile stress applied to the fibers on the structure and properties of hemp fibers were studied and judged via the cellulose I–II lattice conversion. It was observed that the mechanical properties of the fibers can be controlled in a broad range by using appropriate mercerization parameters. Unidirectional EP composites were manufactured by the filament winding technique; at the PP matrix material, a combination with a film‐stacking technique was used. The influence of mercerization parameters on the properties of EP composites was studied with hemp yarn as an example. Different macromechanical effects are shown at hemp‐ and flax‐PP model composites with mercerized, MAH‐PP‐treated, or MAH‐PP‐treated mercerized yarns. The composites' properties were verified by tensile and flexural tests. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 2150–2156, 2004     

Evaluation of tribological performance of surface‐treated carbon fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic polyimide composite

The effect of surface treatment [rare earth solution (RES) and air oxidation] of carbon fibers (CFs) on the mechanical and tribological properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced polyimide (CF/PI) composites was comparatively investigated. Experimental results revealed that surface treatment can effectively improve the interfacial adhesion between carbon fiber and PI matrix. Thus, the flexural strength and wear resistance were significantly improved. The RES surface treatment is superior to air oxidation treatment in promoting interfacial adhesion between carbon fiber and PI matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008     

Novel coupling agents for PVC/wood‐flour composites *

Effective interfacial adhesion between wood fibers and plastics is crucial for both the processing and ultimate performance of wood–plastic composites. Coupling agents are added to wood–plastic composites to promote adhesion between the hydrophilic wood surface and hydrophobic polymer matrix, but to date no coupling agent has been reported for PVC/wood‐fiber composites that significantly improved their performance and was also cost‐effective. This article presents the results of a study using chitin and chitosan, two natural polymers, as novel coupling agents for PVC/wood‐flour composites. Addition of chitin and chitosan coupling agents to PVC/wood‐flour composites increased their flexural strength by ～20%, their flexural modulus by ～16%, and their storage modulus by ～33–74% compared to PVC/wood‐flour composite without the coupling agent. Significant improvement in composite performance was attained with 0.5 wt% of chitosan and when 6.67 wt% of chitin was used. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 11:160–165, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Kenaf‐bast‐fiber‐filled biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) composites: Effects of fiber loading,fiber length,and maleated poly(butylene succinate) on the flexural and impact properties

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) filled kenaf bast fiber (KBF) composites were fabricated via compression molding. The effects of KBF loading on the flexural and impact properties of the composites were investigated for fiber loadings of 10–40 wt %. The optimum flexural strength of the composites was achieved at 30 wt % fiber loading. However, the flexural modulus of the composites kept increasing with increasing fiber loading. Increasing the fiber loading led to a drop in the impact strength of about 57.5–73.6%; this was due to the stiff nature of the KBF. The effect of the fiber length (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) on the flexural and impact properties was investigated for the 30 wt % KBF loaded composites. The composites with 10‐mm KBF showed the highest flexural and impact properties in comparison to the others. The inferior flexural and impact strength of the composites with 15‐ and 20‐mm KBF could be attributed to the relatively longer fibers that underwent fiber attrition during compounding, which consequently led to the deterioration of the fiber. This was proven by analyses of the fiber length, diameter, and aspect ratio. The addition of maleated PBS as a compatibilizer resulted in the enhancement of the composite's flexural and impact properties due to the formation of better fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion. This was proven by scanning electron microscopy observations of the composites' fracture surfaces. The removal of unreacted maleic anhydride and dicumyl peroxide residuals from the compatibilizers led to better fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion and a slightly enhanced composite strength. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Carbon‐fiber‐reinforced acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate composites: Mechanical and rheological properties and electrical resistivity

The aim of this study was to improve the mechanical properties of an acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate copolymer (ASA) with the help of carbon fibers (CFs). Additionally, the effects of the CFs on the morphology, rheological properties, dynamical mechanical properties, electrical resistivity, and heat resistance of the ASA composites were studied with scanning electron microscopy, rotational rheometry, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA). The mechanical properties of the ASA composites were enhanced largely by the CFs. The maximum tensile strength of the ASA/CF composites reached 107.2 MPa. The flexural strength and flexural modulus also reached 162.7 MPa and 12.4 GPa, respectively. These findings were better than those of neat ASA; this was attributed to the excellent interfacial adhesion between the CFs and ASA resin. Rheological experiments proved that the viscosity and storage modulus (G′) values of the ASA/CF composites did not increase until the CF content reached 20%. The DMA outcomes confirmed that the glass‐transition temperature of the ASA composites was elevated from 120.6 to 125°C. Importantly, the G′ values of the composites with 20 and 30% CFs showed a large increase during heating. In addition, the ASA/CF composites exhibited excellent conductivity and heat resistance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43252.     

Injection‐molded short hemp fiber/glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites—Mechanical,water absorption and thermal properties

Natural fiber‐based thermoplastic composites are generally lower in strength performance compared to thermoset composites. However, they have the advantage of design flexibility and recycling possibilities. Hybridization with small amounts of synthetic fibers makes these natural fiber composites more suitable for technical applications such as automotive interior parts. Hemp fiber is one of the important lignocellulosic bast fiber and has been used as reinforcement for industrial applications. This study focused on the performance of injection‐molded short hemp fiber and hemp/glass fiber hybrid polypropylene composites. Results showed that hybridization with glass fiber enhanced the performance properties. A value of 101 MPa for flexural strength and 5.5 GPa for the flexural modulus is achieved from a hybrid composite containing 25 wt % of hemp and 15 wt % of glass. Notched Izod impact strength of the hybrid composites exhibited great enhancement (34%). Analysis of fiber length distribution in the composite and fracture surface was performed to study the fiber breakage and fracture mechanism. Thermal properties and resistance to water absorption properties of the hemp fiber composites were improved by hybridization with glass fibers. Overall studies indicated that the short hemp/glass fiber hybrid polypropylene composites are promising candidates for structural applications where high stiffness and thermal resistance is required. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2432–2441, 2007     

Biodegradable biocomposites from poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and miscanthus: Preparation,compatibilization, and performance evaluation

Miscanthus fibers reinforced biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix‐based biocomposites were produced by melt processing. The performances of the produced PBAT/miscanthus composites were evaluated by means of mechanical, thermal, and morphological analysis. Compared to neat PBAT, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, storage modulus, and tensile modulus were increased after the addition of miscanthus fibers into the PBAT matrix. These improvements were attributed to the strong reinforcing effect of miscanthus fibers. The polarity difference between the PBAT matrix and the miscanthus fibers leads to weak interaction between the phases in the resulting composites. This weak interaction was evidenced in the impact strength and tensile strength of the uncompatibilized PBAT composites. Therefore, maleic anhydride (MAH)‐grafted PBAT was prepared as compatibilizer by melt free radical grafting reaction. The MAH grafting on the PBAT was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The interfacial bonding between the miscanthus fibers and PBAT was improved with the addition of 5 wt % of MAH‐grafted PBAT (MAH‐g‐PBAT) compatibilizer. The improved interaction between the PBAT and the miscanthus fiber was corroborated with mechanical and morphological properties. The compatibilized PBAT composite with 40 wt % miscanthus fibers exhibited an average heat deflection temperature of 81 °C, notched Izod impact strength of 184 J/m, tensile strength of 19.4 MPa, and flexural strength of 22 MPa. From the scanning electron microscopy analysis, better interaction between the components can be observed in the compatibilized composites, which contribute to enhanced mechanical properties. Overall, the addition of miscanthus fibers into a PBAT matrix showed a significant benefit in terms of economic competitiveness and functional performances. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45448.     

Unsaturated polyester‐toughened epoxy composites: Effect of sisal fiber on thermal and dynamic mechanical properties

In the present study, the mechanical and thermal properties of sisal fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP)‐toughened epoxy composites were investigated. The sisal fibers were chemically treated with alkali (NaOH) and silane solutions in order to improve the interfacial interaction between fibers and matrix. The chemical composition of resins and fibers was identified by using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The UP‐toughened epoxy blends were obtained by mixing UP (5, 10, and 15 wt%) into the epoxy resin. The fiber‐reinforced composites were prepared by incorporating sisal fibers (10, 20, and 30 wt%) within the optimized UP‐toughened epoxy blend. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the morphological changes of the fibers and the adhesion between the fibers and the UP‐toughened epoxy system. The results showed that the tensile and flexural strength of (alkali‐silane)‐treated fiber (30 wt%) ‐reinforced composites increased by 83% and 55%, respectively, as compared with that of UP‐toughened epoxy blend. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the (alkali‐silane)‐treated fiber and its composite exhibited higher thermal stability than the untreated and alkali‐treated fiber systems. An increase in storage modulus and glass transition temperature was observed for the UP‐toughened epoxy matrix on reinforcement with treated fibers. The water uptake behavior of both alkali and alkali‐silane‐treated fiber‐reinforced composites is found to be less as compared with the untreated fiber‐reinforced composite. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:188–199, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Promoting the adhesion of high‐performance polymer fibers using functional plasma polymer coatings

Plasma‐copolymerized functional coatings of acrylic acid and 1,7‐octadiene were deposited onto high strength, high modulus, poly‐p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) fibers. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with trifluoroethanol derivatization confirmed that the PBO fibers were covered completely with the plasma copolymer and that the coating contained a quantitative concentration of carboxylic acid groups. Microdebond single filament adhesion and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests were used to evaluate the interfacial strength of epoxy resin composites containing these functionalized PBO fibers. Both the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) obtained from single filament tests, and the ILSS of high volume fraction composites were a function of the surface functionality of the fibers so that there was a good correlation between ILSS and IFSS data. The tensile strengths of single fibers with or without coating were comparable, demonstrating that the fiber surface was not damaged in the plasma‐coating procedure. Indeed, the statistical analysis showed that Weibull modulus was increased. Therefore, plasma‐polymerized coatings can be used to control the interfacial bond between PBO fibers and matrix resins and act as a protective size for preserving the mechanical properties of the fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers