Morphological and mechanical changes of glass fibers mat by CO₂ laser

Abstract

Chemical treatment methods are most often used in the present for fibers surface modification; but, these methods are “environmentally unfriendly”. So, new technologies are now considered, especially in physical treatment methods. This is the case of laser technologies, like CO₂ laser radiation. In this study, glass fiber mat surface modifications were carried out using CO₂ laser. The modified surfaces were characterized using a variety of techniques including scanning electron microscopy, mechanical properties, air permeability, and thickness. The results show that by increasing the laser intensity, the strength and modulus of the mat decrease. But in case of laser cycling treatment, the mechanical properties are improved. We observed that laser treatment causes increase of porosity and better air permeability.

Keywords:

• glass fiber
• CO₂ laser
• surface modification