Green and Nondestructive Method for Constructing Multiscale Carbon Fiber Reinforcement via Encapsulating Chitosan and Grafting Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

To enhance the interfacial properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, chitosan (CS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to construct multilayer structures on the surface of the CF. CFs were first encapsulated by CS through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic action to form a uniform membrane with a thickness of 32 nm. Then, CNTs were grafted on the CS layer to obtain a multilayer membrane with a thickness of 45−60 nm, resulting in improved roughness and wettability of CFs. Subsequently, CFRP composites were prepared by impregnating multiscale CFs with epoxy resin. Compared with that of untreated CFRP composites, the interfacial shear strength, transverse fiber bundle tensile strength, and interlaminar shear strength of the CS-encapsulated and CNT-grafted CFRP composites increased by 91.61% (75.61 MPa), 63.61% (32.78 MPa), and 37.73% (83.24 MPa), respectively. This work provides a green and nondestructive method to optimize the interfacial interactions between CFs and the polymer matrix, which can effectively expand the application field of CFRPs.

A novel eco-friendly strategy on the interfacial modification of a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composite via chitosan encapsulation

“…The composite molding conditions were based on our previous research work (353.15 K for 1 h and 393.15 K for 2 h at 5 MPa pressure, 423.15 K for 3 h and 453.15 K for 1 h at 10 MPa pressure). 30…”

Dual Modification of Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Ethyl Cellulose and Poly(dimethylsiloxane) as Sustainable Construction Materials

“…Despite significant advances achieved in the exploration of BFRPs and their composites by far, the major bottleneck for the large-scale utilization of BFRPs lies in their poor stability in alkaline corrosive environments. , Debonding and degradation occur at the matrix and the interface between the fiber and the matrix, resulting in a significant decrease in mechanical properties. The pursuit of high-performance matrixes is of paramount significance to realize FRPs with superior mechanical properties and long-term stabiliy. , In this respect, massive efforts have been devoted to incorporating organic/inorganic fillers into polymer matrixes. − …”

“…The pursuit of high-performance matrixes is of paramount significance to realize FRPs with superior mechanical properties and long-term stabiliy. 8,9 In this respect, massive efforts have been devoted to incorporating organic/ inorganic fillers into polymer matrixes. 10−12 Natural materials, such as cellulose, chitosan, and lignin, have been extensively investigated as environmentally friendly fillers for polymer composites.…”

Sustainable and mechanically robust epoxy resins derived from chitosan and tung oil with proton conductivity

“…12,13,[20][21][22] Among them, chitosan with multiple active groups, is one of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature, and a promising material to prepare sustainable, mechanically reinforced biobased resins due to its degradability, biodiversity, thermoplasticity, and easy film formation characteristics. 23,24 Meanwhile, introduction of additional functions into the composites by chitosan, allowed the formation of advanced materials for property-targeting applications, such as food packaging, proton exchange membranes and flame retardants etc. 22,24,25 However, in most cases, the performance of the composites was hindered by the poor interface compatibility and dispersion challenge when blending chitosan with polymer matrix, which can be solved by grafting polymers from chitosan.…”

“…23,24 Meanwhile, introduction of additional functions into the composites by chitosan, allowed the formation of advanced materials for property-targeting applications, such as food packaging, proton exchange membranes and flame retardants etc. 22,24,25 However, in most cases, the performance of the composites was hindered by the poor interface compatibility and dispersion challenge when blending chitosan with polymer matrix, which can be solved by grafting polymers from chitosan. Also, Grafting polymerization based on controlled/"living" radical (e.g., reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer, RAFT) polymerizations stands out as one of the most successful strategies in the fabrication of chitosancontaining functional materials.…”