A series of chain-extended bismaleimide resins as matrix elements in carbon fibers were cured and characterized in terms of their thermal and thermomechanical properties. The cured resins were stable up to 430 degrees C and EDABMI/MDA has the highest T-g value and the lowest loss modulus value. To understand the compatibility and the degree of adhesion between the resin and the fiber, their surface properties were determined in terms of the surface energy component and single-fiber pull-out tests. The surfaces of the resins were found to have a basic character. The resins containing ether groups have a higher degree of basicity than does the resin containing methylene groups. Similarly, an increasing trend in the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and the work of adhesion values were observed with the increasing number of the ether groups in the resin structure.