Influence of plasma treatment on properties of ramie fiber and the reinforced composites

AbstractIn this research, 9 series of ramie fibers were treated under low-temperature plasma with diverse output powers and treatment times. By analysis of the surface energy and adhesion power with epoxy resin, 3 groups as well as control group were chosen as reinforced fibers of composites. The influences of these parameters on the ramie fiber and its composites such as topography and mechanical properties were tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), tensile property and fragmentation test of single-fiber composites. Contact angle and surface free energy results indicated that with the increased treatment times and output powers, surface energy and adhesion work with epoxy resin improved. Compared with the untreated fibers, surface energy and adhesion work with epoxy resin grew 124.5 and 59.1% after 3 min-200 w treatment. SEM and AFM showed low temperature plasma treatment etched the surface of ramie fiber to enhance the coherence between fiber and resin, consequentl...