Trans-scale interface engineering: Constructing nature-inspired spider-web networks for regulating thermal transport and mechanical performance of carbon fiber/phenolic composites

The development of interfacial engineering was crucial for achieving the industrialization of high-performance carbon fiber/phenolic composites. In this study, establishing scalable interpenetrating networks (cellulose nanofiber-zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8/aramid nanofiber-boron nitride) on the fiber/matrix interphase, was in favor of realizing precise repairation of interfacial defects, further regulating thermal conductivity, mechanical and tribological properties of the composites. Based on the physical and chemical bridging-effects arising from above spider-web networks, the flexural strength and modulus of modified sample were 74.69 MPa and 6.22 GPa, showing an increase of 135.99% and 56.68%, respectively. Meanwhile, this trans-scale spider-web structure acted as a micron skeleton-nano unit continuous thermal conductive network, significantly reduced phonon scattering and displayed a 258.33% enhancement in the thermal management capability of modified sample. This study reveals key design principles of trans-scale interfacial structure to dynamicly regulate performances and meet service requirements of next-generation carbon fiber/phenolic composites.