Assessing new polymers for carbon fiber composite applications is critical due to a broadening demand in applications not typical for existing fiber-resin systems. Polydicyclopentadiene, synthesized via Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP), performs exceptionally well in high velocity impact applications, though it is challenging to reinforce with carbon fibers given the unreactive nature of both fiber and resin. In this work, we use a carbon fiber surface modification approach to promote fiber-matrix adhesion via the attachment of small molecules able to participate in the polymerization process. This strategy significantly improved flexural and fracture properties, typically between 15 and 30%, relative to composites reinforced with unmodified fibers. Similarly, the tensile yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were improved using this surface modification strategy, though a small decrease in tensile modulus was observed (<5%). Imaging the fracture surfaces shows a clear difference in adhesion, with good adhesion noted for the fibres which had undergone surface modification.

中文翻译：

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碳纤维表面处理提高开环易位聚合合成聚二环戊二烯复合材料的粘合性和性能

由于现有纤维树脂系统不常见的应用需求不断扩大，评估碳纤维复合材料应用的新型聚合物至关重要。通过开环复分解聚合 (ROMP) 合成的聚二环戊二烯在高速冲击应用中表现非常出色，但考虑到纤维和树脂的非反应性，用碳纤维进行增强具有挑战性。在这项工作中，我们使用碳纤维表面改性方法，通过附着能够参与聚合过程的小分子来促进纤维与基质的粘合。相对于用未改性纤维增强的复合材料，这种策略显着改善了弯曲和断裂性能，通常提高了 15% 至 30%。同样，使用这种表面改性策略提高了拉伸屈服强度和极限拉伸强度，但观察到拉伸模量略有下降（<5%）。断裂表面成像显示粘附力存在明显差异，经过表面改性的纤维具有良好的粘附力。