Interfacial improvement of carbon fiber-reinforced methylphenylsilicone resin composites with sizing agent containing functionalized carbon nanotubes

A liquid sizing agent containing multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared for carbon fiber (CF) reinforced methylphenylsilicone resin (MPSR) composite applications. In order to improve the dispersion of MWCNTs in the sizing agent and interfacial adhesion between CF and MPSR, MWCNTs and CF were functioned by the chemical modification with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) used as a MPSR curing agents. The CF before and after the sizing treatment-reinforced MPSR composites were prepared by a compression molding method. The microstructures, interfacial properties, and impact toughness of CF were systematically investigated. Experimental results revealed that a thin layer of MPSR coating containing functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNT-TEPA) was uniformly grafted onto the surface of CF. The sized CF-reinforced MPSR composite showed simultaneously remarkable enhancement in the interlaminar shear strength and impact toughness. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of CF had no obvious decrease after sizing treatment. In addition, the interfacial reinforcing and toughening mechanisms were also discussed. We believe that the facile and effective method in preparing multifunctional fibers provides a novel interface design strategy of carbon fiber composites for different applications.