Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Single Carbon Fibres via Electromagnetic Treatment: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of Electromagnetic Field Treatment (EMFT) on the mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based single carbon fibres, which are critical materials in high-performance composites widely utilised in the aerospace and automotive sectors due to their superior strength and stiffness. Carbon fibres were subjected to controlled electromagnetic field exposure, with both treated and untreated fibres rigorously evaluated through tensile testing. The treated fibres exhibited a notable 6.12% increase in yield strength, along with a substantial improvement in tensile modulus compared to the control samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a smoother surface morphology in the treated fibres, potentially contributing to enhanced flexibility and a reduction in microscale defects. These findings suggest that EMFT may serve as an effective technique for optimising the mechanical performance of carbon fibres, thereby enhancing their suitability for advanced applications.