Preparation and mechanical performances of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites by Mxene nanosheets coating

Known as a new kind of two dimensional materials, Mxene has attracted much attention in applications in polymer based composites because of their unique mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. In this work, we report on the synergistic enhancement of Ti 3 C 2 T x Mxene nanosheets coated on carbon fiber (CF/Mxene) to epoxy resin. Ti 3 C 2 T x Mxene nanosheets were synthesized by HF etching and sonicating and used as surface sizing agent to modify NH 2 -CF by electrostatic self-assembly. NH 2 -CF/Mxene reinforced epoxy resin (NH 2 -CF/Mxene/EP) composites were prepared using a solution blending method. Their structure, morphology and performance were investigated. It is observed that Mxene possesses nanosheet structure and functional groups which are responsible for improving interfacial adhesion between NH 2 -CF and EP resin. The structural characterization showed that Mxene nanosheets are successfully attached to the NH 2 -CF surfaces. Importantly, the tensile strength, flexural strength, shear strength, and impact strength of NH2-CF/Mxene/EP composites have respectively increased by 40.8, 45.9, 38.5, and 74.4% compared to those of pristine CF/EP composites, suggesting that Ti 3 C 2 T x Mxene nanosheets use is a promising approach for improving the mechanical properties of EP-based composites.