Plasma surface modification of glass fibre sizing for manufacturing polymer composites

Bundles or fabrics of sized glass fibres were treated by a dielectric barrier discharge plasma in a He/CF4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure with and without ultrasonic irradiation. The plasma treatment introduced fluorine both inside and outside of the fibre bundle, decreasing wetting of glycerol.

Ultrasonic irradiation markedly increased the fluorine content as well as the silicon, calcium, and aluminium contents, indicating simultaneous fluorination and preferential etching of organic components. It is indicated that plasma treatment in a He/CF4 gas mixture can be used for controlling the surface properties of glass fibre bundles, and that ultrasonic irradiation can enhance functionalization and etching.