Effects of silica surface treatment on the impregnation process of silica fiber/phenolics composites

Effects of silica surface treatment on the impregnation process of silica fiber/phenolics composites were studied. Micro‐Wilhelmy method was used to evaluate the surface characterization of silanized silica fibers. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) measurements and the void contents of the silica fiber/phenolics composites were also performed. The interactions occurring between silica fiber and the components of phenolic resin solution can affect the contact angle between silica fiber and phenolic solution and the dynamic adsorption behavior of phenolic resin onto silica fiber. There are competitive adsorptions to different extent for phenolic resin and solvent onto silica fibers. Silica fibers as reinforcement treated by silane‐coupling agent, such as γ‐aminopropyl‐triethoxysilane, γ‐glycidoxypropyl‐trimethoxysilane, trimethylchlorosilane, and γ‐methacryloxypropyl‐trimethoxysilane, influence the mechanical interfacial properties of silica fiber/phenolics composites and the uniformity of resin distribution. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008