Preparation of CF-GO-SiO2 multi-scale reinforcements based on electrostatic interaction: A non-destructive and simple method to construct hybrid interface layers of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin composites

A GO-SiO 2 hybrid interface layer was prepared by electrostatic adsorption to synergistically improve the weak interface bonding between carbon fiber (CF) and poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK). FTIR, Raman and XPS confirmed that GO-SiO 2 interface layer is constructed on CF surface. SEM and AFM indicated that the synergistic effect of GO-SiO 2 could obviously improve the CF surface roughness. CF-GO-SiO 2 /PPEK composite exhibits excellent interlaminar shear strength (84.2 MPa), flexural strength (1620 MPa), storage modulus (132.9 GPa) and T g (285 °C). The GO-SiO 2 interface layer improves the mechanical interlocking and wettability between CF and PPEK, and the failure mechanism of the composite changes from interfacial debonding for Untreated CF/PPEK composite to matrix cohesive destruction and fiber breakage for CF-GO-SiO 2 /PPEK composite. Moreover, the layer is beneficial to the hydrothermal ageing resistance of the composite. This study provides a promising strategy for improving the interfacial properties of advanced thermoplastic composites.