Enhanced interfacial strength and mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites by introducing functionalized silica nanoparticles into the interface

Introducing nanoparticles onto the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) is a useful method for enhancing the quality of fiber-matrix interface. In this work, a liquid sizing agent containing functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiO2) was well prepared to improve interfacial strength and mechanical properties of composites. In order to enhance the dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles in sizing agent, SiO2 nanoparticles were chemically grafted with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), and then silanized silica (SiO2-APS) was introduced into the interphase by a conventional sizing process as well. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the successful preparation of SiO2-APS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that a uniform distribution of SiO2-APS on the fiber surface and the increased surface roughness. The sized fibers (CF/SiO2-APS) exhibited a high surface free energy and good wettability based on a dynamic contact angle testing. Interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of untreated and sized CFs composites were investigated. Simultaneous enhancements of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and impact toughness of CF/SiO2-APS composites were achieved, increasing 44.79% in ILSS and 31.53% in impact toughness compared to those of untreated composites. Moreover, flexural strength and modulus of composites increased by 32.22 and 50.0% according to flexural test. In addition, the hydrothermal aging resistance of CF/SiO2-APS composites has been improved significantly owing to the introduced Si-O-Si bonds at the interface.