Water resistant fibre/matrix interface in a degradable composite: Synergistic effects of heat treatment and polydopamine coating

Retaining a robust fibre-matrix interface in an aqueous environment has been enduring challenge for fibre-reinforced biocomposites. This study addresses the issue by applying polydopamine coating as coupling agent to annealed and non-annealed phosphate-based glass fibres. The presence of was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy Raman techniques. thickness increased with treatment time, forming bimodal structure, showed good correlation percentage surface nitrogen observed via XPS. A 6 h period selected balance fibre strength improvements against degradation caused solution. In-situ polymerised polycaprolactone composites were produced fibres, resulting improved retention modulus when fibres both coated. is first example long-term wet properties composites, falling within target range bone healing (6–12 weeks).