Surface modification of carbon fibres using ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Abstract

A series of alkene bearing small molecules were electrografted to the surface of carbon fibers using the in situ generation of aryldiazonium salts. These molecules were used as an anchoring point for the use of Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) in a ‘graft from’ approach to carbon fiber surface modification. After modification, evaluation of these modified fibers in an epoxy resin, using the single fiber fragmentation test, showed significant increases in interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of up to 189%, relative to untreated pristine fibers. Dilution of strained norbornene alkenes at 2:1 (alkane:alkene) had minimal effect on IFSS, while dilution at 10:1 (alkane:alkene) still resulted in improved, albeit suppressed, IFSS gains of 70% relative to pristine fibers. This study shows the potential of using ROMP as a means to tailor the surface chemistry of carbon fibers for use in advanced composites.