Effect of surface treatment on the mechanical and tribological performance of Kevlar pulp reinforced epoxy composites

Solutions of rare earth modifier (RES) and epoxy chloropropane (ECP) grafting modification method were used for the surface treatment of Kevlar pulp. The surface characteristics of untreated and treated Kevlar pulp were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscope. The bend strength and block-on-ring wear behavior of Kevlar pulp/epoxy composites were comparatively investigated. The worn surfaces of the composites were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that surface treatment can effectively improve the interfacial adhesion between Kevlar fiber and epoxy matrix. Thus, the bend strength and wear resistance were significantly improved. The RES surface treatment is superior to ECP grafting treatment in promoting interfacial adhesion between Kevlar fiber and epoxy resin.