The effect of surface-treated titanium dioxide on the interfacial properties of carbon fiber-reinforced high-density polyethylene composite

Abstract

The surface functionalization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used to modify the surface of carbon fiber (CF). The objective of this study is to improve the interlaminar shear strength and impact properties of the composites by mixing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin and modifying CFs. The Izod impact strength of the CF/HDPE composites increases with increasing CF content because of the high impact strength of the CF, whereas incorporation of the TiO2 increased the impact strength of the CF/HDPE composites, which may be attributed to the reinforcing effect of the TiO2 particles. Especially the surface treatment of TiO2 increases the interfacial adhesion and the thermal stability of the CF/TiO2/HDPE composite.