Enhanced interfacial and mechanical properties of high-modulus carbon fiber composites: Establishing modulus intermediate layer between fiber and matrix based on tailored-modulus epoxy

Tailored-modulus epoxy matrix was designed on basis of surface analysis of high-modulus carbon fibers (HMCF), and the effects of modulus intermediate layer on interfacial and mechanical properties of HMCF composites were investigated. Narrow grooves and active functional groups were detected on HMCF surface. The modulus of epoxy was tuned by stiff organic molecular structure of cycloaliphatic epoxy (CE) and amide acid (AA). Modulus intermediate...