Scalable Non-Destructive Surface Modification of Polyacrylonitrile-Based Carbon Fibers for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites
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Keywords:
Carbon Fiber, Surface Modification, Desizing, Wettability, CFRPAbstract
Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced composites are highly valued for their exceptional thermal,
mechanical, and chemical properties, making them widely applicable across various industries.
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fiber composites are sought after for their superior strength and
stability. However, the interfacial bond between the fiber and matrix is susceptible to degradation,
especially at high temperatures due to oxidation. Surface coatings like sizing are applied to protect fibers
during manufacturing. These fibers, widely recognized for their high performance in commercial,
military, and aerospace applications, often experience delamination due to inadequate interfacial
properties caused by protective sizing agents. Therefore, optimizing fiber-matrix adhesion is crucial to
maintain the performance of advanced composite materials. This study investigated a scalable, non
destructive methodology for desizing polyacrylonitrile-based CFs, enhancing their performance in CF
reinforced composites. The suggested procedure included cleaning, drying, and thermally treating carbon
fabrics to remove this sizing and improve fiber-matrix adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
revealed smoother surfaces for sized fibers and rougher textures for desized fibers. X-ray diffraction
identified a new peak at 7.5°, and an increased intensity of peaks of desized CF, indicating structural
changes. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the removal of polymeric sizing agents
and the formation of carbon-oxygen functional groups, which provide active sites on the fiber surface.
Contact angle analysis demonstrated improved hydrophilicity, with desized material exhibiting practically
zero angle at 0-second intervals. This approach maintains fiber integrity while improving composite
mechanical properties, suggesting potential for widespread industrial application.
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