Propagation of PAMAM dendrimers on the carbon fiber surface by in situ polymerization: a novel methodology for fiber/matrix composites

A facile strategy for generating dendrimers onto carbon fibers, in order to functionalize them, was reported. Dendrimers were propagated on the surface of carbon fibers by in situ polymerization with Michael addition. The changes in morphology, surface composition and surface energy, which were studied by atomic force microscope (AFM), dynamic contact angle analysis test (DCAT) and x-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS), were related to the interfacial performance of model composites. In addition, the level of fiber-matrix adhesion was determined by the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) test. Experimental results indicated that some dendritic polymer was successfully grown on the fiber surface through the chemical reaction, and this significantly enhanced the interfacial bonding of the carbon fiber composites. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.