Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate interfacial effects on differently treated carbon fibers and a new in-situ PA12 polymerized matrix system. The surface free energies of the single filaments and the influence of the sizing were determined with regard to their compatibility with the semicrystalline thermoplastic PA12. The polyamide 12 matrix was in-situ polymerized in the presence of the fibers in an internal mixer, and afterwards the compounds were tensile and impact loaded at room and cryogenic temperature, respectively. The failure mechanisms were evaluated by examination of the fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. Further, the residual monomer content and the degree of crystallinity were measured by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. In addition, the dynamic mechanical analysis and macromechanical properties determination of the fiber reinforced laminates were performed.