Surface modification of carbon fibres using ring-opening metathesis polymerization

A series of alkene bearing small molecules were electrografted to the surface carbon fibers using in situ generation aryldiazonium salts. These used as an anchoring point for use Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) a ‘graft from’ approach fiber modification. After modification, evaluation these modified epoxy resin, single fragmentation test, showed significant increases interfacial shear strength (IFSS) up 189%, relative untreated pristine fibers. Dilution strained norbornene alkenes at 2:1 (alkane:alkene) had minimal effect on IFSS, while dilution 10:1 still resulted improved, albeit suppressed, IFSS gains 70% This study shows potential ROMP means tailor chemistry advanced composites.