Surface modification of carbon fiber as a protective strategy against thermal degradation. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Athulya Wickramasingha, Y.; Dharmasiri, Bhagya; Randall, James D.; Yin, Yanting; Andersson, Gunther G.; Nepal, Dhriti; Newman, Ben; Stojcevski, Filip; Eyckens, Daniel J.; Henderson, Luke C.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 153(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Sizing -- Carbon Fiber -- Surface Modification -- High Temperature; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2021.106740
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: Carbon fibers were surface modified with acrylate-derived polymers with aromatic side chains, to protect the fiber when exposed to high temperatures. The surface modification process induced a significant increase in tensile strength (23.7%) and tensile modulus (8%), for the benzyl-bearing side chain and retained superior tensile strength (20%) and tensile modulus (7%) after heating to 600 °C. Commercial carbon fibres gave a significant decrease in tensile strength and modulus, 7% and 4%, respectively, when exposed to the same conditions. This suggests that the surface modification process provides a protective effect against thermal degradation, with possible application in carbon fibre recycling. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) showed significant improvement before (up to 208%) and after (up to 84%) exposure to high temperatures. Analysis of the carbon fiber surface by XPS suggests that the surface bound polymer becomes more graphitic, potentially via the fusion of the aromatic side chains.