Interfacial Properties Prediction of Carbon Fiber Composites via Multiscale Nanomaterial Enhancement and Wetting Parameter Analysis

ABSTRACT The optimization of the interface between carbon fibers (CFs) and the polymer matrix plays a pivotal role in enhancing the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). In this study, a novel PEEK‐based sizing agent was developed through the grafting of multiscale nanomaterials (MXene and CNTs). Additionally, a method was proposed to predict the interfacial bonding properties based on wetting parameters between fibers and resin. The effect of the multiscale nanomaterials on the PEEK‐based sizing agent and the interface properties of CFRPs was thoroughly investigated. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of multiscale nanomaterials effectively enhanced the wettability properties of the PEEK sizing agent, leading to a significant improvement in the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) properties of CFRPs. The ILSS of CFRPs modified with the PEEK‐based sizing agent increased by 21.18% compared to pure composites without sizing. Consequently, the addition of multiscale nanomaterials proves to be an effective approach to enhance the sizing effect of the sizing agent. Furthermore, the method of predicting interfacial properties through wetting parameters offers a convenient means for the preparation of high‐performance CFRPs.