Article

Fiber/Matrix Interface in Composite MaterialsSpecialChem / Jul 26, 2010Interfaces are among the most important yet least understood components of a composite material. In particular, there is a lack of understanding of processes occurring at the atomic level of interfaces, and how those processes influence the global material behavior. There is a close relationship between the processes that occur on the atomic, microscopic, and macroscopic levels. In fact, knowledge of the sequences of events occurring on these different levels is extremely important in understanding the nature of interfacial phenomena. Interfaces in composites, often considered as surfaces, are in fact zones of compositional, structural, and property gradients, typically varying in width from a single atom layer to micrometers. Characterization of the mechanical properties of interfacial zones is necessary for understanding mechanical behavior. In fact, the mechanical characteristics of a fiber/resin composite depend primarily on the mechanical properties of the combined material, the surface of the fiber, and the nature of the fiber/resin bonding as well as the mode of stress transfer at the interface. Among the many factors that govern the characteristics of composites involving a fibrous material, such as carbon, glass, or ceramic, and a macromolecular matrix, it is certain that the adhesion between fiber and matrix plays a predominant part. The stress transfer at the interface requires an efficient coupling between fiber and matrix. It is important to optimize the interfacial bonding since a direct linkage between fiber and matrix gives rise to a rigid, low impact resistance material.