Improved interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber-reinforced polydicyclopentadiene layered composite material by modification of norbornene derivatives

Surface chemical grafting modifications of carbon fibers (CFs) using 5-(triethoxysilyl)norbornene (TOS), norbornene carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (NB-TBE), and 5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride (NA) improved interfacial interactions between CFs and poly(dicyclopentadiene) (PDCPD) resin. The ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of DCPD, catalyzed by Grubbs catalyst II, enabled the fabrication of PDCPD/CF layered composite materials with resin and fibers tightly adhered. The optimal composite exhibited remarkable mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 654.6 MPa and flexural strength of 510.7 MPa. Excellent thermal stability with a maximum weight loss rate in temperatures above 450°C and good chemical resistance with a weight change of about 1% in both acidic and alkaline media highlight the promising potential of these materials for use in harsh environments. The simple yet efficient approach of TOS, NB-TBE, and NA-enhanced layered CF shows great promise as advanced composite materials for industrial applications. Highlights Norbornene derivatives such as TOS, NB-TBE, and NA are suitable modifiers for CF. ROMP of DCPD and norbornene group onto CFs, fabrication of PDCPD/CF composite materials. The composite exhibited remarkable interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties.