Work

Eco‐Friendly Waterborne‐Hydrolyzed‐Silk‐Fibroin Sizing for Enhanced Interfacial Properties in High‐Modulus Continuous Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composite

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT High‐modulus continuous carbon fiber (HMCCF) composites face interfacial challenges that limit their mechanical performance, while conventional sizing agents raise environmental concerns. This study introduces a sustainable, water‐soluble sizing agent derived from hydrolyzed silk fibroin (HSF) to modify HMCCF surfaces. Characterization reveals that HSF sizing significantly enhances surface energy and introduces active groups (e.g., COOH, NH 2 ), improving fiber wettability and interfacial adhesion with epoxy resin (EP). Optimal performance is achieved at 2 mg/mL HSF concentration (HMCCF‐HSF2/EP), where interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) increase to 63.33 and 76.62 MPa, respectively. Mechanistic studies confirm that HSF forms a stress‐buffering and energy‐dissipating interphase through covalent/hydrogen bonding, enabling efficient stress transfer. This work pioneers a fully bio‐based, eco‐friendly sizing strategy for high‐performance HMCCF/EP composites.

Source: Journal of Applied Polymer Science

DOI: 10.1002/app.70019

Authors: Xusheng Chao, Xinyun Zhang, Xiyuan Liu, Jiahao Gao, Yanhong Tian, Xuejun Zhang, Hefeng Li, Yue Xing, Heng Deng, Jinfeng Dang, Jiangman Sun

Institutions: State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composite Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, PLA Academy of Military Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University

Language: English

Topic: Fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W4416248655

FWCI: 0.603

Cites: 68

Cited by: 2

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