SURFACE-COMPOSITION AND ENERGETICS OF TYPE HM GRAPHITE FIBERS

The surfaces of Type HM graphite fibers, both treated (HMS) and untreated (HMU), were investigated using low temperature thermal desorption, krypton thermodynamic analysis, Ion Scattering with Positive Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy and Contact Angle Polar/Dispersion Analysis techniques. The surface energetics of HM fibers increased with surface treatment. However, vacuum treatment to temperatures of 300°C reduces a significant percentage of the highly energetic portion of the surface. Contact angle measurements on these same surfaces also indicate that the polarity of the HM fiber surface is increased with surface treatment. © 1979.