Grafting of Poly(n-butylacrylate)-b-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) on Carbon Fiber and its Effect on Composite Properties

A treatment method based on the grafting of block copolymer on carbon fiber (CF) surface was proposed for obtaining a controlled interface between carbon fibers and epoxy resin. The block copolymer poly(n-butylacrylate)-b-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PnBA-b-PHEMA) was grafted on the CF by controlled polymerization. Research shows that the grafting block copolymer can improve interfacial adhesion, and the chain structure, lengths and grafting density of block copolymer can affect the fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion. The study of mechanical properties indicated the introduction of PnBA-b-PHEMA in the interface could both improve the flexural strength, modulus and impact toughness of composites.