• Composites Research
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.315-321
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• 2013

In this work, pitch-carbonized glass fibers were prepared for reinforcement of composites. The influence of acid functionalization of the fibers on the morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composites was investigated. The acid functionalization of the fibers led to 10 and 150% increases in the mechanical and thermal properties, respectively, as compared to carbon fiber-reinforced composites. This can be attributed to the superior orientation of fiber structures and good interfacial interactions between fillers and epoxy matrix, resulting in enhanced degree of dispersion and formation of thermally conductive paths in the functionalized composites.