| Abstract: | The high modulus carbon fiber (M40J) sized by epoxy resin E51 and E20 reinforced bisphenol A dicyanate (2,2′‐bis(4‐cyanatophenyl) isopropylidene resin composite was prepared in order to investigate the influence of epoxy sizing of the fiber on the properties of the composite. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) analysis showed that epoxy resin have catalytic effect on cure reaction of cyanate ester. Mechanical properties of the composite revealed that M40J fiber sized by epoxy resin could improve the flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of M40J/bisphenol A dicyanate composites. The micro‐morphology of the composite fractures was studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Reduced flaws were observed in the M40J‐bisphenol A dicyanate interface when the sized fiber was used. Water absorption of the composites was also investigated. It was found that the water absorption descended at the initial boiling stage (12 h). POLYM. COMPOS, 27: 591–598, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers |
