Improved interfacial properties of carbon fiber composites by building stress transition layer with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

For the purpose of improvement in interfacial property of carbon fiber composites through a facile process, the carboxyl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) were incorporated into the surface of JH-T800 carbon fiber using sizing and deposition technology. The surface morphology of MWCNTs-COOH-modified carbon fibers and fracture surfaces of unidirectional carbon fiber composites were observed via scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. According to the results of composites fragmentation test, the adoption of MWCNTs-COOH-modified carbon fibers resulted in the improved carbon fiber/ epoxy matrix interfacial bonding and interlaminer property by 32.1% and 31.9%, respectively. Through the combination of the above two kinds of pretreating process of carbon fibers, a stress transition layer with the gradient distribution of MWCNTs was built between carbon fiber and resin matrix, which was favorable for releasing stress concentration and hindering the propagation of crack, resulting in a higher reinforcing efficiency for the existing carbon fiber composites. K E Y W O R D Scarbon fiber, interfacial properties, interfacial structure, mechanical properties, nanocomposites

A review on carbon fiber-reinforced hierarchical composites: mechanical performance, manufacturing process, structural applications and allied challenges

“…The study of Xiao et al [ 112 ] and Zhang et al [ 113 ] suggested that, among the existing method for grafting CF with CNT, aqueous suspension deposition is the most facile and finds better reinforcing efficacy than others due to its feasibility for large-scale production. In addition to a better throughput rate, this method rules out any complex chemical and equipment prerequisite and assures impeccable fiber surface, which prompts better interfacial property.…”

“…Higher interfacial property can also be achieved by functionalization of the carboxyl group in CNT [ 116 ]. Zhang et al [ 113 ] coated carboxyl-functionalized MWCNT on CF, employing both sizing and deposition methods together. The result was startling as a 32.06% increase of IFSS was observed in hierarchical composite compared to raw CFRP, which has its origin in two separate distribution states of MWCNT, triggering a reinforcement layer having gradient discrepancy of modulus, which paves the way for boosted load transfer.…”

Microstructure Dictating Performance: Assembly of Graphene-Based Macroscopic Structures

“…However, electrical and thermal conductivities are not strong suits of the CF fabrics, limiting their functional applications. Also, due to their high stiffness, weaving CFs is difficult and forming strong interactions between fibers is even more challenging. , Compared to bonding in CFs, direct interfiber bonding between GFs can be established by the wet-fusing assembly, forming the basis for fabricating electrically and thermally conductive nonwoven GF fabrics …”

“…Also, due to their high stiffness, weaving CFs is difficult and forming strong interactions between fibers is even more challenging. 56,57 Compared to bonding in CFs, direct interfiber bonding between GFs can be established by the wet-fusing assembly, forming the basis for fabricating electrically and thermally conductive nonwoven GF fabrics. 58 When redispersed into an aqueous solvent, dried GOFs are immediately wetted.…”