Enhancing interfacial locking of the CF and PBPESK resin by in-situ electrochemical deposition of MOF nanoparticles

The interfacial bonding of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites plays a critical role in the overall performance of the composites. Poor interfacial bonding leads to catastrophic damage of composites when subjected to external loads. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) NH 2 -UiO-66 nanoparticles in-situ synthesis on the carbon fiber (CF) surface using an electrochemical method was achieved facilely and efficiently to enhance the interfacial adhesion of CF/PBPESK composites. The influence of incorporating 3D NH 2 -UiO-66 nanoparticles into the interphase on the interfacial and mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites was systematically investigated. The NH 2 -UiO-66 nanoparticles significantly increased the carbon fibers surface energy. The flexural, interlaminar shear and interfacial shear strength of the N–CF–6min/PBPESK composite were improved by 19 %, 31 %, and 93 %, respectively, compared to the D-CF/PBPESK composite. Furthermore, the interfacial failure mechanism of the composites was investigated. This approach offered a simple and efficient strategy for the in-situ synthesis of interfacial phase characterized by robust mechanical locking effects.