Surface Modification Research Articles

Improving surface finish of laser additively manufactured curvilinear surfaces via electropolishing and electroless coating

Abstract Laser directed energy deposition (LDED) is a very useful additive manufacturing (AM) technique for repairing and manufacturing complex shaped parts compared to traditional manufacturing techniques. However, the inadequate surface quality of the LDED fabricated components limits their direct utilization in different sectors. In addition, improving the surface finish of the curvilinear surfaces (useful for cooling channels and fuel nozzles) is also challenging. Hence, the current study focuses on surface modification of LDED fabricated SS 316L hollow cylindrical samples by combining electropolishing and electroless coating. We have performed electropolishing (two different currents, 8A and 15A) on the as-deposited (AD) sample with and without the application of the grinding process. The electropolishing reduced the roughness of the AD sample from 3.2 µm to 0.85 µm and 0.74 µm for 8A and 15A, respectively. The reduction in roughness was more at a higher current value due to the rapid anodic dissolution of the surface peaks. A further reduction in roughness was observed when grinding was performed before electropolishing. However, grinding resulted in higher material removal from the deposited surfaces and reduction in roughness was also minimal. Hence, only the electropolishing sample was selected for the next step, in which Ni-P electroless coating was performed on the surface to form a protective layer. After electroless coating, the COF and wear rate were reduced by 9.5 % and 25.6 % compared to the AD sample. Delamination and severe plastic deformation were the major wear mechanisms for the AD sample, whereas abrasion was dominant for the coated sample. The current work proposes a combined surface modification approach of electropolishing and electroless coating for the LDED processed components with curvilinear surfaces.

Comprehensive review of biological response, alloy design, strengthening mechanisms, performance evaluation, and surface modifications of titanium alloys for biomedical applications

Comprehensive review of biological response, alloy design, strengthening mechanisms, performance evaluation, and surface modifications of titanium alloys for biomedical applications

Enhancing coloration performance and colour fastness of nano‐pigment ink‐jet‐printed blended fabrics through cationic and water‐repellent surface modification

AbstractThe coloration performance and colour fastness properties, crucial for industrial textile printing, depend on the spreading and fixation behaviour of ink‐jet droplets on porous fabrics. Current nano‐pigment‐based ink‐jet applications provide unstable results for these properties, especially for synthetic and blended fabrics. This study focuses on cellulose‐based blended fabrics as substrates to modify the wetting properties of fabrics through cationic and water‐repellent treatments, to improve the coloration performance and colour fastness systematically. The study conducted analytical experiments to analyse the surface element composition, ion potential and surface morphology of the fabrics. Differences in printing colour and pattern performance were attributed to the behaviour of ink droplet spreading on the fabric surface and inside the fabric, including wetting time, colourant distribution, and ring shape. The results indicate that ink droplet spreading on fabrics significantly influences printing pattern sharpness, including edge clarity and colour intensity, which can be improved through surface modification, including cationic and water repellent treatment. The use of blended fabrics treated with 1% cationic modifier and 0.05% fluorine‐containing water repellent resulted in effective suppression of droplet formation and significant enhancement of colour performance and fastness. Furthermore, as the ink droplet volume decreased from 5 to 1 μL, the coffee ring effect on the fabric treated with the water repellent agent gradually diminished, leading to improved printing sharpness during the printing process.

Improving Solar Cell Efficiency of Silicon and Silicon Tandem Structure by Using Surface Modification

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells face challenges in maximizing energy capture due to limitations in light collection and surface passivation. To address this, the use of SHJ tandem solar cells in a back‐to‐back configuration is explored, allowing illumination from both sides to enhance light absorption and energy generation. This study aims to improve the stability and efficiency of these cells through Al2O3 and Nafion surface treatments. Al2O3 is deposited to enhance bifacial light collection, while Nafion is applied for surface passivation to increase the fill factor (FF). The method involves adding 0.1–0.6 units of incident light to the rear of the cells to evaluate the effects of these treatments. The results show a 2.06% increase in efficiency with Al2O3 and a 1.72% improvement with Nafion under standard illumination conditions. The optimized tandem SHJ with Al2O3 and Nafion achieves a Jsc of 62.01 mA cm−2, Voc of 650.63 mV, FF of 76.49%, and an efficiency of 30.86%. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of these surface treatments to enhance the overall performance of bifacial back‐to‐back tandem SHJ solar cells.

Insight Into the Role of Fiber Diameter on Electrospun Polysulfone Mats

ABSTRACTFiber electrospun mats created using cylindrical collectors have been extensively studied as effective membranes for water treatment. However, the relationships between the properties of electrospun mats and the characteristics and performance of membranes are not well‐established. This research examined two samples with average fiber diameters of 1.8 ± 0.49 μm and 0.47 ± 0.26 μm, which were evaluated as supporting substrates for the separation of MgSO4 ions. The variation in fiber diameter resulted from consistent conditions of voltage, distance, and collector rotation speed, while the injection rates were different, set at 2 mL/h and 0.8 mL/h, respectively. The resulting thin‐film composite (TFC) membrane consists of three layers: the first layer is a mesh polyester that underlies a middle hydrophobic electrospun support layer made from a 20 wt.% polysulfone solution. The third layer is a polyamide layer created through interfacial polymerization, involving a reaction between piperazine (PIP) monomers at a concentration of 2% by weight and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) monomers at a concentration of 0.2% by weight. Due to its hydrophobic nature, PSU repels water monomers from its surface during polymerization. Consequently, surface modification using plasma treatment alters the surface characteristics from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, resulting in the formation of a superior polyamide layer. The results indicate that membranes with larger fiber diameters exhibit a rougher texture. Additionally, the increased void space between the fibers in these membranes leads to an increase in pure water flux that is 92% higher compared to membrane samples with smaller fiber diameters; this higher flux is due to larger pore size. Furthermore, membranes with smaller fiber diameters possess a finer pore structure, resulting in a polyamide layer with fewer defects than membranes with larger fibers. This improved structure achieved a separation efficiency of 68% ± 1.02% for MgSO4, while the membrane with an average fiber diameter of 1.80 ± 0.49 μm demonstrated a separation rate of 20% ± 2.26%. These findings provide a step forward in the development of a theoretical framework for engineering TFC membranes with electrospun mats as supports.

Poly(norepinephrine)-Mediated Universal Surface Modification for Patterning Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture and Differentiation.

Maintaining undifferentiated states of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is key to accomplishing successful hPSC research. Specific culture conditions, including hPSC-compatible substrates, are required for the hPSC culture. Over the past two decades, substrates supporting hPSC self-renewal have evolved from undefined and xenogeneic protein components to chemically defined and xenogeneic-free materials. However, these synthetic substrates are often costly and complex to use, leading many laboratories to continue using simpler undefined extracellular matrix (ECM) protein mixtures. In this study, we present a method using poly(norepinephrine) (pNE) for surface modification to enhance the immobilization of ECM proteins on various substrates, including polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and ultralow attachment (ULA) hydrogels, thereby supporting hPSC culture and maintenance of pluripotency. The pNE-mediated surface modification enables spatial patterning of ECM proteins on nonadhesive ULA surfaces, facilitating tunable macroscopic cell patterning. This approach improves hPSC attachment and growth and allows for cell patterning to study the effects of anisotropic environments on the hPSC fate. Our findings demonstrate the versatility and simplicity of pNE-mediated surface modification for improving hPSC culture and spatially controlled differentiation into endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes on previously nonamenable substrates, providing a valuable tool for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Enhancing enset fiber‐reinforced polylactic acid composites through different surface treatments for emerging applications

AbstractEnvironmental concerns and the over‐exploitation of natural resources have driven the search for eco‐friendly materials. Agro/industrial waste, often discarded, can be repurposed as fillers in biocomposites. However, bio‐fibers present challenges such as poor compatibility, high moisture absorption, and variable mechanical properties. This study examines various fiber surface modification techniques, including NaOH, silane, alkali‐silane, and pectinase enzyme treatments on enset fiber (EF) to produce sustainable reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. Untreated EF/PLA composites were fabricated for comparison. Results showed that the applied EF surface treatments, especially using pectinase enzyme, significantly enhanced mechanical, thermal, and thermomechanical properties. Pectinase‐treated EF/PLA composites displayed increased tensile strength by 55.99%, elongation at the break by 39.49%, tensile modulus by 32.59%, impact strength by 51.50%, flexural strength by 51.85%, flexural modulus by 60.90%, and improved thermal stability as compared to untreated composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses verified better fiber‐matrix interaction with clarity due to reduced non‐cellulosic components. Pectinase enzyme treatment emerged as the most effective, eco‐friendly method, enhancing the enset fiber's potential in polymer biocomposites, suitable for automotive interiors and packaging industries, reducing synthetic plastic pollution, and utilizing agricultural waste.Highlights Enset fibers were modified by NaOH, silane, NaOH/silane, and pectinase enzyme The modified enset/PLA composites were prepared by compression molding Surface treatments enhanced the enset‐PLA matrix interaction Pectinase‐modified enset/PLA composite showed superior properties Improved properties of enset composites make it ideal for various applications

Application and progress of bio-derived materials in bladder regeneration and repair

To summarize the research progress of bio-derived materials used for bladder regeneration and repair. The recent domestic and foreign sutudies on bio-derived materials used for bladder regeneration and repair, including classification, morphology optimization process, tissue regeneration strategies, and relevant clinical trials, were summarized and analyzed. Numerous types of bio-derived materials are employed in bladder regeneration and repair, characterized by their low immunogenicity and high inducible activity. Surface modification, gelation, and other morphology optimization process have significantly broadened the application scope of bio-derived materials. These advancements have effectively addressed complications, such as perforation and urolith formation, that may arise during bladder regeneration and repair. The strategy of tissue regeneration utilizing bio-derived materials, targeting the regeneration of bladder epithelium, smooth muscle, blood vessels, and nerves, offers a novel approach to achieving functional regeneration of bladder. Bio-derived materials show great promise for use in bladder regeneration and repair, yet the results from clinical trials with these materials have been less than satisfactory. Bio-derived materials are widely used in bladder regeneration and repair due to the good biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and degradable properties, yet face a series of problems, and there are no commercialized bladder tissue engineering grafts used in clinical treatment.

Cooperative Use of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and Thiols on a Silver Surface: A Synergetic Approach to Surface Modification.

Surface modification through the formation of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) can effectively engineer the physicochemical properties of the surface/material. However, the precise design of multifunctional SAMs at the molecular level is still a major challenge. Here, we jointly use N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and thiols to form multifunctional hetero-SAM systems that demonstrate excellent chemical stability, electrical conductivity, and, in silico, catalytic activity. This synergistic effect is facilitated by the high surface mobility and electron-rich nature of NHCs, combined with the strong binding strength of thiols. Scanning tunneling microscopy, electrical conductivity, and scanning electron microscope measurements, as well as density functional theory calculations, were employed to explore the synergistic interactions in the supramolecular SAMs. The van der Waals integration of ballbot-type NHCs and thiols enables the SAMs to exhibit both superior surface anticorrosion properties (attributing to the shift in the d-band center) and low surface resistance originating from the band alignment. Moreover, we find that the deposition sequence of flat-lying NHCs and thiols results in SAMs with different configurations, which can further tune the mechanistic pathway in silico in the acetylene hydrogenation process. Our results provide essential molecular insights into the local electronic control of the new SAM/metal interface and the high stability of the emergent multifunctionality (NHC/thiol)-SAMs forming self-assembled lamellae structures in the nanometer regime.

Engineered Platelets for Cancer Therapy

ABSTRACTWhile nanomedicine research shows a great progress in the treatment of cancer, it still faces challenges of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Numerous studies have demonstrated intricate crosstalk between platelets and tumor cells. The re‐education of platelets by tumor cells enables these platelets to provide critical assistance for tumor proliferation, recurrence, and metastasis. Engineered platelets have shown promising potential in the treatment of tumors, postoperative tumor recurrence, and tumor metastasis. Different engineering technologies such as surface modification, gene editing, membrane coating, and loading into hydrogels can produce multifunctional and customized engineered platelets. These engineered platelets inherit the key properties of platelets, including long blood circulation, tumor targeting, and thrombus targeting, and can be stimulated to generate derivatized particles. In this review, we elucidate the critical role of platelets in the complex processes of tumorigenesis and tumor progression and summarize the emerging paradigm of engineered platelets in tumor therapy. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively explore the potential value of engineered platelets toward the clinical treatment of cancer, providing a valuable reference for the further development of engineered platelets and their broader applications in the field of cancer therapy.

Linearly Scaling Molecular Dynamic Modeling To Simulate Picosecond Laser Ablation of a Silicon Carbide Crystal.

A molecular dynamics model for picosecond laser ablation of nanoscale silicon carbide crystals was established by linearly scaling the laser focal diameter, and the correlation between the molecular dynamic simulation of the nanoscale and the experimental reproduction of the microscale was achieved. The calculation accuracy of the molecular dynamic model was verified by ablating the surface of silicon carbide wafers with a laser pulse width of 37 ps. On this basis, this paper further investigated the influence of the laser pulse width and fluence on the surface ablation damage and modification width, threshold, and lattice temperature. The results showed that, when the laser pulse width is higher than 10 ps, the silicon carbide damage threshold increases with increasing the pulse width, while the modification threshold is almost unaffected by the pulse width. In addition, the influence of crystal orientation has been studied, and laser irradiation along the [1-100] crystal orientation induces a higher peak temperature, larger damage, and modification width and threshold, followed by irradiation along the [0001] crystal orientation and lowest along the [11-20] crystal orientation. Finally, with the linear scaling value increasing, the spatial distribution of the laser energy field deviates more from the actual situation, resulting in the calculated results being more consistent with the experimental results. Through this paper, it is demonstrated that this linearly scaled molecular dynamics model can be used to study laser ablation results over tens of micrometers.

Influence of material orientation, loading angle, and single-shot repetition of laser shock peening on surface roughness properties

Titanium alloy Ti6Al4V is extensively utilized in biomedical applications due to its excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. The design of dental implant surface textures has changed throughout time to address issues with oral rehabilitation in both healthy and damaged bones. The longevity of an implant is significantly impacted by surface roughness. This study examines the use of laser shock peening (LSP) as a surface modification technique to improve the mechanical properties of implants. A numerical model is developed using the commercial finite elements software in ABAQUS/Explicit for simulating dynamic conditions. The aim of the study is to develop surface roughness parameters using computational methods such as studies have not yet been contemplated. The single shot angle, shot repeat, time, material orientation, and laser power are applied for the first time simultaneously to evaluate the impact of material orientation and loading angles on surface roughness parameters. The study showed that the developed computational model’s compressive residual stress was −578.45 MPa, while the experimental samples were −592.18 MPa. Consequently, the difference between the computational and experimental results was 2.32%. Without regard to material orientation or angle, the compressive residual stress of the samples under examination was found to be −578.450 MPa after three repetitions and to decreased to −1.620 MPa after four. These results demonstrate that by varying the material orientation and loading angle, the Ra value may be increased four times.

Behavior of plasma parameters under mirror and cusp magnetic fields in DC glow discharge – a numerical study

Abstract The plasma parameters in DC glow discharge can easily be controlled by externally applied magnetic field without disturbing internal / built-in process parameters. Though several works have been carried out to study the influence of the magnetic field at different configurations on the plasma parameters, a complete understanding on the behaviour of the plasma discharge under the mirror and cusp fields could not be achieved. Further studies on the same are needed to improve the efficiency of the DC glow discharge system for existing applications and to find the new applications. In this work, a 2D axis-symmetric non-equilibrium plasma model with drift-diffusion approach is developed to study the characteristics of the plasma in DC glow discharge through various plasma parameters under mirror and cusp fields. The effects of current and position of magnetic coils on electric potential, ionization rate, electron temperature and electron number density are predicted and discussed. The distribution of electron number density at various coil currents and positions under both mirror and cusp fields are presented and the operating conditions favorable for applications in surface modification are suggested.

Oleylamine-grafted carbon nanoparticles as the friction-reducing and anti-wear additives of aviation lubricating oils

Purpose This paper aims to try to develop new, environmentally friendly and efficient lubricating additives; study the compatibility of carbon-based additives with different base oils [Polyalphaolefin (PAO)-3, PAO-20 and NPE-2]; and explore the lubrication mechanism. Design/methodology/approach Oleylamine modified carbon nanoparticles (CNPs-OA) were prepared and the dispersion stability of CNPs-OA in PAO-3, PAO-20 and NPE-2 base oils was investigated by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Universal Mechanical Tester (UMT) platform was used to carry out experiments on the effects of different additive concentrations on the lubricating properties of base oil. Findings The mean friction coefficient of PAO-3, PAO-20 and NPE-2 reduced by 32.8%, 10.1% and 11.4% when the adding concentration of CNPs-OA was 1.5, 2.0 and 0.5 Wt.%, respectively. Generally, The CNPs-OA exhibited the best friction-reducing and anti-wear performance in PAO-3. Originality/value The agglomeration phenomenon of carbon nanoparticles as lubricating additive was improved by surface modification, and the lubricating effect of carbon nanoparticles in three synthetic aviation lubricating base oils was compared.

Preparation of Glutathione-Regulated Sorafenib Targeted Nanodrug Delivery System and Its Antihepatocellular Carcinoma Activity.

To enhance the therapeutic effect of sorafenib (SOR) on liver cancer, we have developed a targeted nanodrug delivery system with glutathione (GSH) downregulation functionality. The preparation process comprises the synthesis of amino-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN-NH2), surface modification with ethacrynic acid (EA), loading of SOR into the pores, and final surface coating with hyaluronic acid (HA) to obtain SOR@MSN-EA@HA (SMEH) nanoparticles. SMEH nanoparticles specifically enter tumor cells via CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis. EA binds to GSH to consume it, while SOR is slowly released from the pores to exert antitumor effects while inhibiting GSH production. This results in sustained oxidative stress in the cells, thus enhancing the antitumor efficacy. Both in vitro and in vivo antitumor experiments as well as hemolysis tests have demonstrated that SMEH nanoparticles can accurately target liver cancer cells, effectively downregulate GSH concentration, exhibit good antitumor effects, and possess excellent safety, showing great potential in tumor treatment.

Synthesis of Ferrocene‐Containing Schiff Bases Based on 3‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane Oligomers for Covalent Modification of Glass Surfaces and Creation of Soft Magnetic Materials

ABSTRACTA ferrocene‐containing oligoorganosiloxane with a number‐average degree of polymerization of 8.8 and a number‐average molecular weight of 3200 is synthesized by hydrolytic condensation of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane followed by chemical modification of the resulting oligomer with acetylferrocene. Its structure is characterized by MALDI‐TOF, NMR and IR spectroscopy. 1H NMR spectroscopy shows the predominance of more thermodynamically stable units containing anti‐configuration Schiff bases. Using IR spectroscopy as well as experimental determination of surface energy and its polar (acid–base) and dispersion components, the covalent immobilization of ferrocene‐containing oligoorganosiloxane on a glass surface after heating at 110°C is shown. The formed coating provides hydrophobization, acid–base indifference of the glass surface and serves as a precursor for the formation of magnetically soft materials after pyrolysis in argon already at 350°C. The main stages of ferrocene‐containing oligoorganosiloxane thermal destruction in an inert atmosphere and the formation of a mixture of iron and silicon oxides during its thermal oxidative destruction are established by combination of TGA/DTA, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The proposed approach opens up new possibilities for functionalizing silicates surfaces, creating magnetic glasses, as well as regulating surface energy and its components.

Controllable p-type doping and improved conductance of few-layer WSe2 via Lewis acid

Manipulation of the electronic properties of layered transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is of fundamental significance for a wide range of electronic and optoelectronic applications. Surface charge transfer doping is considered to be a powerful technique to regulate the carrier density of TMDs. Herein, the controllable p-type surface modification of few-layer WSe2by FeCl3Lewis acid with different doping concentrations have been achieved. Effective hole doping of WSe2has been demonstrated using Raman spectra and XPS. Transport properties indicated the p-type FeCl3surface functionalization significantly increased the hole concentration with 1.2 × 1013cm-2, resulting in 6 orders of magnitude improvement for the conductance of FeCl3-modified WSe2compared with pristine WSe2. This work provides a promising approach and facilitate the further advancement of TMDs in electronic and optoelectronic applications.

Hematological Response to Particle Debris Generated During Wear–Corrosion Processes of CoCr Surfaces Modified with Graphene Oxide and Hyaluronic Acid for Joint Prostheses

Various surface modifications to increase the lifespan of cobalt–chromium (CoCr) joint prostheses are being studied to reduce the wear rate in bone joint applications. One recently proposed modification involves depositing graphene oxide functionalized with hyaluronic acid (a compound present in joints) on CoCr surfaces, which can act as a solid lubricant. This paper analyzes the biological alterations caused by wear–corrosion phenomena that occur in joints, both from the perspective of the worn surface (in vitro model) and the particles generated during the wear processes (in vivo model). The analysis of the inflammatory response of macrophage was performed on CoCr surfaces modified with graphene oxide and functionalized with hyaluronic acid (CoCr-GO-HA), before and after wear–corrosion processes. The wear particles released during the wear–corrosion tests of the CoCr-GO-HA/CoCr ball pair immersed in 3 g/L hyaluronic acid were intra-articularly injected into the experimental animals. The hematological analysis in vivo was made considering a murine model of intra-articular injection into the left knee in male adult Wistar rats, at increasing concentrations of the collected wear particles dispersed in 0.9% NaCl. Non-significant differences in the inflammatory response to unworn CoCr-GO-HA surfaces and control (polystyrene) were obtained. The wear–corrosion of the CoCr-GO-HA disk increased the inflammatory response at both 72 and 96 h of material exposure compared to the unworn CoCr-GO-HA surfaces, although the differences were not statistically significant. The pro-inflammatory response of the macrophages was reduced on the worn surfaces of the CoCr modified and functionalized with graphene oxide (GO) and hyaluronic acid (HA), compared to the worn surfaces of the unmodified CoCr. The hematological analysis and tissue reactions after intra-articular injection did not reveal pathological damage, with average hematological values recorded, although slight reductions in creatinine and protein within non-pathological ranges were found. Some traces of biomaterial particles in the knee at the highest concentration of injected particles were only found but without inflammatory signs. The results show the potential benefits of using graphene in intra-articular prostheses, which could improve the quality of life for numerous patients.

Orthogonal Agent Comprising a Nitrile N-Oxide and a Phenylcarbamate for Facile Molecular Integration on Styrne-Butadiene Resin.

The covalent attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGylation) to materials minimizes non-specific fouling of the material surface with biocomponents. While the PEGylation reaction on polar surfaces is widely used and regarded as a common technique, the PEGylation on less polar polymers and elastomers is extremely difficult due to the absence of reactive points with PEG terminus. Herein, the design and synthesis of an orthogonal agent with a nitrile N-oxide and a phenyl carbamate that can mediate between an alkene and an amine are reported. The ligation capacity of the orthogonal agent is demonstrated through the model reaction to connect between 1-hexene and 4-methoxybenzylamine and the grafting reaction of PEG onto poly(styrene-co-butadiene) (SB) resin. The surface characteristics of PEGylated SB film are evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements. Because SB resin is frequently used as a 3D-printing polymer, the present study indicates that the orthogonal agent can be applicable to the surface modification of 3D-printed objects precisely manufactured by using a computer-aided design (CAD) file in the future.

On demand thermal surface modification of carbon fiber for improved interfacial shear strength

A thermally triggered, on demand, surface modification method was exploited using carbon fibers (CFs). Bisdiazomethanes undergo thermal activation to generate extremely reactive carbene intermediates, able to react with the CF surface. Herein, the surface modification of continuous CFs is demonstrated by dipping the fibers in a solution of bisdiazomethane at three different concentrations of 1 mmol, 5 mmol, and 10 mmol, followed by air drying and heating at 120 °C. Tensile strength and Young's Modulus values were preserved in the treated fibers, while the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) values showed significant improvement. The highest IFSS improvement was found (189 %) for the fibers dipped in the 5 mmol solution, with significant increases noted for the 1 and 10 mmol modifications, of 54 % and 97 %, respectively. When the thermal modification was repeated with parameters analogous to a sizing application used in CF manufacture (30 s dip, 2-min heating), 74–79 % improvements in IFSS resulted. Hence, this approach can serve as a simple, scalable, and tunable surface modification method for discontinuous CFs that promotes their use in high value applications.