Fabrication of a three-dimensional reinforcement via grafting epoxy functionalized graphene oxide onto carbon fibers

We explored a novel three-dimensional reinforcement consist of petal-like epoxy functionalized graphene oxide (EG) and amine-capped polyphosphazene modified carbon fibers (CF-ACP). The grafted EG sheets with numerous epoxy groups obviously changes the surface topography of carbon fibers. A significant improvement of interfacial shear strength was achieved from 47.3   MPa for virgin CF composites to 97.7   MPa for functionalized CF composites. Therefore, such multiscale reinforced composites show great potential to be used as high-performance structural applications.