Recent advancements in composite materials are set to revolutionize the construction sector, particularly through the innovative work of QIU Yang and his team at the Composite Technology Center, AVIC Manufacturing Technology Institute in Beijing. Their research, published in the journal ‘Cailiao gongcheng’ (Materials Engineering), addresses a longstanding challenge in the field: the low surface energy of polyimide (PI) fibers, which has historically hindered their integration with epoxy resins.
In a groundbreaking study, Yang and his colleagues utilized atmospheric air plasma to modify the surface of PI fibers. This technique not only enhances the fibers’ surface properties but also significantly improves the interfacial performance between the PI fibers and epoxy composites. The results were impressive; the lateral tow tensile strength of plasma-treated fibers increased by nearly 21%, reaching 16.05 MPa. This enhancement is crucial for construction applications where material strength and durability are paramount.
“The atmospheric air plasma treatment can remake the surface morphology of PI fiber, improving the joining effect with epoxy,” Yang noted. This transformation is not just a minor improvement; it alters the failure mode of composites from interfacial failure—where the bond between materials breaks—to fiber surface failure, indicating a much stronger and more reliable composite structure.
The implications for the construction industry are significant. Enhanced flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength—36.41% and 38.85% increases, respectively—suggest that buildings and infrastructure could benefit from lighter yet stronger materials. This could lead to safer, more efficient designs that meet the growing demand for sustainability in construction.
As the industry moves towards more advanced materials, the ability to modify fiber surfaces effectively could pave the way for the development of new composite materials that are not only strong but also lightweight and resistant to environmental degradation. With the construction sector increasingly focused on innovation and efficiency, Yang’s research could be a game-changer, allowing for the creation of structures that are both resilient and cost-effective.
For those interested in exploring this research further, more information can be found through the Composite Technology Center, AVIC Manufacturing Technology Institute. The findings from Yang’s team underscore the potential for plasma treatment technologies to reshape material science, paving the way for the next generation of composite materials in construction and beyond.
