Improved interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite by in-situ self-assembled mental-phenolic networks

The chemical modification of carbon fiber surface often uses toxic reagents and harsh reaction conditions, while the preparation process of metal-phenol networks (MPNs) is simple, rapid, non-toxic and harmless, which provides a direction for alleviating environmental problems. In this study, tannic acid (TA) was coordinated with Fe3+ to form MPNs, which was coated on the surface of carbon fibers through pi-pi interaction. The results indicated that oxygen functionalities on the surface of the MPN coating can facilitate better adhesion between the carbon fiber and the epoxy resin, when the molar ratio of TA to Fe3+ is 1:3 and the pH is 4, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) performance of the composite material reaches its optimal level. In addition, a green and non-destructive method is provided for the surface modification of carbon fiber, which can effectively optimize the interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Schematic figure and microscopic characterization of the modification. image