Surface modification of carbon fiber by redox-induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 108; no. 3; pp. 1887 - 1892
• Main Authors: Xu, Zhiwei, Wu, Xiaoqing, Sun, Ying, Jiao, Yanan, Li, Jialu, Chen, Li, Lu, Liangsen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 05.05.2008; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; composites; Exact sciences and technology; fibers; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; graft copolymers; interfaces; Laminates; Polymer industry, paints, wood; surfaces; Technology of polymers; Surface reaction; interfaces; fibers; Redox polymerization; Laminate; Fiber reinforced material; graft copolymers; Epoxy resin; Mechanical properties; Shear strength; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Quantitative surface analysis; Composite material; Surface treatment; Polyelectrolyte; composites; surfaces; Acrylic acid polymer; Carbon fiber; Graft polymers
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.27874

Carbon fibers were modified by graft polymerization with acrylic acid (AA) using KMnO₄/H₂SO₄ redox-induced system. The carbon fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After grafting, the absorbability of treated fibers might be enhanced and more pieces of tiny fragments stuck to the fiber surface. It was confirmed that grafting AA led to a remarkable increase in oxygen-containing functional groups of fiber surface. An about twofold increase in retained surface carboxylic acid groups occurred. The adhesion between carbon fiber and epoxy matrix was inspected by interlaminar shear strength and SEM. It was noted that the functionalized grafting coating of fiber surface gave rise to a strong interfacial bond, with little debonding.