Improving the effects of plasma polymerization on carbon fiber using a surface modification pretreatment

Abstract

Plasma and electrochemical treatments of carbon fibers for enhanced properties are often presented in opposition to each other. This work demonstrates the combination of these methodologies through the electrochemical attachment of nitroaryl moieties to the surface of the carbon fiber, prior to the deposition of plasma polymerized acrylic acid to the surface. Notably, the tensile strength of fibers having undergone both surface modification and plasma polymerization showed a significant increase (3.76 ± 0.08 GPa), relative to control fibers (3.31 ± 0.11 GPa), while plasma polymerization alone showed no change (3.39 ± 0.09 GPa). Additional benefits resulting from both treatments were observed..