Pitch-Based Carbon Fibre-Reinforced PEEK Composites: Optimization of Interphase Properties by Water-Based Treatments and Self-Assembly

Abstract

This work addresses the challenging fibre-matrix compatibilization and interface adhesion improvement of poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) composites reinforced with pitch-based carbon fibre.An innovative and environmentally friendly method, inspired both by supramolecular "layer-by-layer" (LBL) assembly and by the composition of adhesive proteins in mussels was designed to modify the carbon fibre surface and improve the composites transverse properties by supramolecular interactions.The results proved that few sensitive carbon surfaces can be selectively modified by stable polyelectrolyte complexes and catechol amine polymer partners dispersed in water in such a way that a sizing treatment can be applied by techniques as simple as immersion or spraying procedure.It was shown that the combination of these solutions self-organized to form thin deposits containing compatibilization and/or crystallization promoter partners, thought transcrystallinity, onto carbon surface.This approach is an innovative and environmentally-friendly method which improves fibre-matrix interface quality in terms of compatibilization, adhesion and mechanical properties.