Carbon fibre surface modification using functionalized nanoclay: A hierarchical interphase for fibre-reinforced polymer composites

Low interface strength is a common challenge in taking full advantage of excellent physical performances of carbon fibre (CF) reinforced polymer composites. Herein, for the first time, we have used amino-functionalized nanoclay as a linkage between CF surface and epoxy matrix, which by a cation exchange process was grafted on the CF surface. Amino-functionalized nanoclay significantly increased surface roughness, coefficient of friction, and BET...