Stability of carbon fiber surface functionality at elevated temperatures and its influence on interfacial adhesion

The thermal stability of the surface chemistry of a surface treated carbon fiber, from room temperature to 1000 °C, was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Within a range of temperatures from room temperature to 400 °C, the only surface functionalities that decomposed were carboxylic acids and dangling nitrogen containing functionalities like amines, amides or nitriles. Significant amounts of water were desorbed as well. This study...