Interfacial strengthening and processing of carbon fibers reinforced poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) composites: A mini‐review

Abstract Carbon fibers/poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (CF/PEEK) composites have the advantages of excellent impact resistance, good moisture and heat resistance, ultra‐short molding cycle and recyclable secondary processing. Therefore, the investigation on CF/PEEK composites is an important development direction of low‐cost and high‐performance polymer‐based composites. However, due to the strong surface inertness of CF and the poor interface compatibility between CF and PEEK matrix, the mechanical properties of CF/PEEK composites are low. Moreover, PEEK matrix has the high melting point and large viscosity, making the processing of CF/PEEK composites very difficult. In this paper, the factors affecting the interfacial properties of CF/PEEK composites, the surface functionalization modification methods of CF, and the design & synthesis of interfacial compatibilizer are reviewed. The research progress and related academic achievements in interfacial strengthening and additive manufacturing technology of CF/PEEK composites are emphatically discussed. Finally, the development trends and application prospects of CF/PEEK composites are summarized. Highlights CF/PEEK composite is the key material for industry and infrastructure. The factors affecting the interface interaction between PEEK and CF. The methods of interface strengthening for CF/PEEK composites. The additive manufacturing technology of CF/PEEK composites. The development trends and application of CF/PEEK composites.