Chemically grafting APS onto MnO₂ nanosheets as a new interphase for improving interfacial properties in carbon fiber composites

A novel method is proposed to chemically graft 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) onto the MnO₂ nanosheets which grown on woven carbon fiber (WCF), forming the CF-MnO₂-APS hierachical reinforcement, as confirmed by FTIR, EDS and XPS. The flexural and tensile strength of corresponding composite are 150.4 MPa and 292.3 MPa, for an increase of 46.9% and 31.7%, respectively. Besides, the composite displays the optimal anti-wear under various applied load. Our work finds that grafting APS onto MnO₂ nanosheets is the major reason for forming chemical bonding at fiber/matrix interface. Overall, the synergetic effects of mechanical interlocking and chemical bonding at interface are primary in improving the comprehensive properties of composites.