Effect of an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment on the Mode I Fracture Toughness of a Co-cured Composite Joint

In this study, the surface of a composite prepreg was treated using an atmospheric pressure plasma in an attempt to improve the fracture toughness of a co-cured joint system. Three gas mixtures were investigated; Helium, Helium/Nitrogen and Helium/Oxygen. The processing parameters of the system were varied to obtain the maximum increase in surface energy of the prepreg. A He/O2 plasma was found to be the most efficient treatment, giving the largest increase in surface energy in the shortest time. Co-cured joints were then fabricated using prepreg that had been treated with various plasmas. A modest 15–18% increase in the mode I fracture toughness was achieved. However, the locus of failure remained interfacial. It was also observed that a He/O2 plasma treatment could be detrimental to joint toughness for long treatment times.