Study on properties influence of carbon fiber reinforced polyimide composites via surface modification using metal mesh

Abstract In this work, carbon fiber reinforced polyimide (CF/PI) composites via surface modification using metal mesh were obtained. The interfacial adhesion performance of metal mesh and composites, mechanical properties and electrical properties of composites were characterized. The results revealed that introducing metal mesh on CF/PI composites surface obviously decreased the resistivity of composites, which was of great significance for lightning protection. For the mechanical properties, the short‐beam shear strength and flexural properties of modified composites slightly declined, and the failure mode of samples did not change significantly. From microscopic failure morphology and finite element analysis, it can be illustrated that the crack generated from edge may lead to the mechanical properties changes of metal mesh modified sample. Based on practical application condition, the performance change rule of modified composite system after thermal treatment was also reported. This study enables a surface modification thought as a promising way for the application of high temperature resistant CF/PI composite system.