Scatheless active functionalized poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fibres and their outstanding potential in enhancing interface adhesion with polymer matrix

Exploration of new functionalization approaches to inert rigid fiber, activation inert surface, and enhancing interface adhesion is urgently required for fiber-based multiphase materials. In this paper, we developed a simple yet efficient method towards active functionalized poly( p -phenylene terephthalamide) fiber through mussel-adhesive, self-polymerization, and successive dipping–drying procedure based on as-designed detachable equipment. In comparison with current acid etching and high energy radiation methods, the active functional strategy achieves scatheless functional modification to inert rigid fiber. Attribute to π–π conjugation effect, the new active nanolayers integrate rigid fiber and polymer matrix into homogeneous-like structure. Consequently, the functionalized fiber-based composites exhibit great mechanical property and desirable field-responsive ability. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133 , 43018.