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

Abstract

The interfacial properties are the key factors that affect the properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Therefore, it is necessary to modify the surface of CF. However, most of the methods face problems of complex technology and environmental pollution. Here, the biomass material chitosan (CS) was encapsulated on the surface of the CF using a one-step method. The surface roughness and wettability of the CFs were improved markedly. When the content of CS was 0.05 wt%, a uniform membrane structure with a thickness of 32 nm was formed. Furthermore, the CS-encapsulated CFRP composites were prepared from the optimal multilayer structure. Compared with untreated CFRP composites, the interfacial shear strength, transverse fiber bundle test tensile strength, and interlaminar shear strength of the CS-encapsulated CFRPs increased by 53.65%, 34.15%, and 15.67%, respectively. This modification method is simple, eco-friendly, and non-destructive. It provides a new way to expand the application of CS in the field of CFRP composites.