| Abstract: | The effects of carbon blacks, chopped carbon fibers, and crushed carbon fibers on the crosslinking chemistry of a diglycidyl epoxy resin/m-phenylenediamine system were examined by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The carbon and graphite surfaces were given oxidizing and reducing treatment to simulate the surface treatment of carbon fibers used in the manufacture of composites. The oxidized carbon surfaces initially accelerated epoxy–amine reactions but inhibited the later stages of the reaction such that the final extent of cure was reduced. The oxidized carbons also preferentially adsorbed the amine curing agent, resulting in a stoichiometric imbalance at the interface. |
