BACKGROUND

Composite materials formed from a polymer and a reinforcing fiber strike a desirable balance between strength and light weight, making them good performers in many applications. The strength of the composite material is a function of many different factors. For example, the strength of the material can depend on the materials that are used to form the composite or the connections between those materials. In order to provide composite materials that are useful for a broader range of applications it is desirable to create composites with increased strength.

SUMMARY

Composite materials formed from a polymer and a reinforcing fiber are desirable in that external stresses applied to the composite materials are shared with the fibers. The strength of the composite material is sometimes limited by the extent of the strength of the interface between the polymer and the fiber. For example, if the interface is weak, meaning that there is a poor coupling or connection between the polymer and the reinforcing fiber, then the overall strength of the composite material can change undesirably.

Modification of the fibers can enhance the strength of the interface between the polymer and the fiber. For example, by modifying the surface of the fiber or modification of the polymer (e.g., with a functional group that can react with a functional group of the polymer) the interface, and composite material as a whole, can be strengthened.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a polycarbonate component and a carbon fiber component includes an activated surface. An interface can be formed between the polycarbonate component and the carbon fiber component.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a composite material can be formed from a composition including a polycarbonate component and a carbon fiber component that includes an activated surface. An interface of the composite material includes a covalent bond formed between the polycarbonate component and the activated surface of the carbon fiber component.

In a further embodiment of the present invention a method of forming a composite material includes contacting a composition including a polycarbonate component and a carbon fiber component including an activated surface, with a mold. The method further includes heating the mold and applying pressure to the mold.

