Elastic Modulus of the Interphase in Organic Matrix Composites
AbstractIn organic matrix composites the properties of the matrix in the vicinity of the reinforcing fiber are of interest [1]. It has been suggested that a volume of material surrounding the fiber is significantly different from the bulk matrix [2–6]. Recent work has indicated that the interphase layer may be softer than the normal matrix material [6]. For a model composite with a single fiber embedded in an epoxy/amine matrix this layer was observed to be about 500nm thick and the material had an average elastic modulus of about 1/4 of that of the normal matrix material. The objective of the present work is to observe the effect of fiber treatment on the elastic properties of the interphase.