2D GO and 3D NH2-UiO-66 assembled on carbon fiber surface by electrodeposition method for enhancing the interfacial performance of CF/PBPESK composite

The interfacial bonding between carbon fiber (CF) and the matrix in carbon fiber-reinforced high-performance thermoplastic (CFRHPTP) composites is weak, owing to the chemical inertness of the CF surface and nonreactivity of the thermoplastic resin. Hence, the applications of these composites are severely limited. In this study, a 2D GO/3D NH 2 -UiO-66 nanohybrid coating was hierarchically assembled via a two-step method. First, GO was assembled on CF (G-CF) via electrophoretic deposition to provide nucleation sites, and the NH 2 -UiO-66 was assembled in situ on the G-CF surface to obtain modified CF (G-N-CF) via electrochemical deposition. The chemical compositions, surface morphologies, and wettabilities of the CFs were systematically analyzed. Using poly(bisphthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PBPESK) as a matrix, a series of CF/PBPESK composites were prepared using G-N-CF, G-CF, and D-CF. The flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of the G-N-CF-2/PBPESK composite increased by 28.5% and 48.3%, respectively, compared with those of the D-CF/PBPESK composite. The interfacial failure mechanism changed from adhesive failure to cohesive failure after treating CF with the 2D GO/3D NH 2 -UiO-66 nanohybrid coating. This study provides an effective strategy for the interphase design of CFRHPTP composites based on multiple physical and chemical interactions.