Process for the surface modification of carbon fibers

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract of the Disclosure, An improved continuous hot gas surface modification process for carbon fibers is provided. The carbon fibers undergoing such processing are passed for a relatively brief residence time through a surface treatment zone to which continuously is fed nitrogen dioxide and air under conditions which have been found to produce a surprisingly effective surface modification. The resulting carbon fibers exhibit a significantly enhanced surface area and an improved ability to bond to a resinous matrix material while retaining a substantial portion of the tensile strength originally exhibited. When incorporated in a resinous matrix material, a fiber reinforced composite …