Microscale investigation on the carbon fiber surface physical properties and interfacial behavior of carbon fiber/polypropylene composites fabricated by self‐resistance electric heating technique

Abstract

In this study, the interfacial bonding properties of carbon fiber/polypropylene (CF/PP) composites fabricated by self-resistance electric (SRE) heating technique was investigated by both experimental trials and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The temperature distribution and the changes in surface physical properties of CFs with SRE heating were firstly determined by experimental investigations. The experimental results suggest that the amount of grooves on CFs surface is positively related to electric current magnitude, while the height of grooves is negatively associated to electric current magnitude. The microbond test was carried out to determine the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of CF/PP composites. It demonstrates that the IFSS increases from 31.00 to 39.11 MPa when CFs is applied with electric current from 12 A to 20 A, which is same with the trend of the surface area of CF. Moreover, the mechanisms of interfacial adhesion enhanced by surface morphology of CF were investigated by MD simulations. CF models with different surface morphology were constructed based on the experimental results. It is found that the increase of the contact area between CF atoms and PP atoms benefits the interfacial adhesion. Meanwhile, the gradual loss of the ability of matrix impregnation accompanies with the strengthening of interfacial interaction, leading to a weak increase in the shear strength between CF and matrix.

Effects of Surface Functionalization on Interface Bonding of Graphite/Epoxy Composites

“…To elucidate and substantiate the mechanisms underlying this enhanced interface bonding, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are leveraged [18,19]. These simulations serve to validate and provide a detailed insight into the complex interactions occurring at the atomic level, reinforcing the mechanical performance of the composite material [20,21]. By elucidating the interplay between modified graphite surfaces and epoxy resin, this investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of composite material design, offering valuable insights for the continued development and optimization of graphite-resin composites.…”

Polydopamine and polyethyleneimine comodified carbon fibers/epoxy composites with gradual and alternate rigid‐flexible structures: Design, characterizations, interfacial, and mechanical properties

“…Wu et al [ 24 ] grew CNTs onto the CF surface using chemical vapor deposition based on the platform of PDA, and remarkably augmented the mechanical properties of the CFRPs. Tang et al [ 25 ] modified the CF surface by self‐resistance electric heating to enhance the interfacial properties of the CF/polypropylene composites, and the microscale investigation was also conducted on the physical properties and interfacial behavior of the CFRPs. Among these studies, the chemical grafting exhibited great advantages for generating more active groups and physical contact points on CFs to enhance chemical and physical interactions with grafting polymers.…”

Influence of carbon fiber topographical roughness in epoxy based composite interfaces

“…MD simulations of nanogrooved carbon-polymer interfaces have been used to probe the mechanical properties of the composite [41,42], as well as wetting behavior of the polymer at the grooved interface [43]. Zhang et al [41] explored the effect of nanogrooves of various aspect ratios in addition to investigating the effect of more than one nanogroove on the mechanical performance of a graphite-polypropylene composite interface.…”

“…However, the authors did not report simulations on shear substrate displacements. As a result the authors suggest that increasing both the aspect ratio and number of grooves on the CF surface will increase the mechanical performance, up to the point of void formation within polymer matrix due to poor penetration of the polymer in the grooved surface [42].…”