Mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites modified with graphene oxide in the interphase

The surface topographies of carbon fibers treated by sizing agents with different graphene oxide (GO) content were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The surface elements compositions of carbon fibers were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. The interfacial properties of composites were studied by interfacial shear strength. The thermo-mechanical properties of two typical specimens (CF-G0 and CF-G1 composites) were investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The results showed the introduction of GO sheets on carbon fibers surfaces effectively improved the mechanical properties of carbon fibers/epoxy composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2425–2432, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers