Enhancing Composite Toughness Through Hierarchical Interphase Formation (Adv. Sci. 6/2024)

Fiber-Matrix Interphase In article 2305642, Christopher C. Bowland and co-workers introduce a hierarchically architected fiber-matrix interphase for a tougher composite. High aspect ratio chemically transformable thermoplastic nanofibers, integrated at the interphase, form covalent bonds with the matrix through heat treatment, enhancing composite toughness. This scalable approach offers a chemically less intensive solution to address persistent weak interphase issues in the composite industry.