Surface modification of Kevlar by grafting carbon nanotubes

Wei Chen*, Xin Ming Qian, Xue Qiu He, Zhen Yi Liu, Ji Ping Liu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A novel and efficient method was developed for surface-modification of Kevlar fibers by multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Kevlar fibers were immersed in a solution mixed with Hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,4-diazabi-cyclo [2,2,2] octane (DABCO), and toluene to introduce pendant amine groups before the COCl-functionalized carbon nanotubes were chemically grafted onto the surface of modified fibers under ultrasonic condition. The characterization of resulting fiber involved in SEM, infrared spectroscopy, and tensile measurement. Results indicated over 20% of the fiber surface were coated by MWCNTs even after washing, which indicated a good adhesion. Furthermore, the mean value of tensile strength of Kevlar fiber was improved by 12% compared with original one. And the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the fiber-reinforced bismaleimides composite was increased by 30%.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1983-1990
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume123
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Feb 2012

Keywords

  • fibers
  • mechanical properties
  • nanocomposites
  • surfaces

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