Influence of the coupling agent on the mechanical properties of SiCf/poly(phenylene benzobisoxazole) composites

Poly(phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) was first used as matrix to fabricate the two‐dimensional SiC_f/PBO composites by a lamination method. Different amounts of coupling agent were introduced to improve the bonding between silicon carbide (SiC) fibers and the PBO matrix during the fabrication of the SiC_f/PBO composites. The surface structure and composition of the as‐received PBO and PBO treated with the coupling agent were analyzed, and the morphology and flexural strength of the composites were characterized. The Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated that the hydroxyl groups from the coupling agent were successfully introduced to PBO. The flexural strength of the composites increased at first with increasing content of the coupling agent but decreased with excessive addition of the coupling agent. The flexural strength of the composites was improved from 15 to 89 MPa. The test results suggested that the interaction between the SiC fiber and the treated PBO with the coupling agent was intensified. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39805.