Surface property modification of aromatic polyamides by microwave plasmas

Abstract Various microwave plasma treatments were applied to Kevlar in the form of multifilament fabric and single fiber. Plasma‐modified fabrics were used to construct two‐ply laminates using a triazine resin adhesive. Very significant increases in the bond strength of laminates may be attributed to the plasma treatments; the effectiveness of plasma treatment is best utilized by reducing to a minimum the time interval between plasma exposure and contact of treated substrate with impregnating (adhesive) fluid. Mechanical properties of single Kevlar fibers seem to deteriorate somewhat on plasma exposure, but the cohesive strength of multifilament cloth is enhanced by the same treatments.