MXene modified carbon fiber composites with improved mechanical properties based on electrophoretic deposition

To improve the weak fiber-matrix interface of carbon fiber composites, two-dimensional transition metal carbides or nitrides of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets were introduced onto the surfaces of carbon fiber (CF) through electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technology for the first time. The MXene deposited CF was further infiltrated with epoxy resin by vacuum-assisted resin infusion (VARI) to fabricate CFRP composites. Results indicated that the MXene nanoparticles deposited on the surfaces of CF could significantly enhance fiber surface energy and wettability as well as surface roughness, which in turn remarkably increased the interfacial strength and flexural properties of fiber-resin. The MXene/oxidised CF/epoxy composites showed a 53% improvement in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), a 22.2% enhancement in flexuous strength, and a 29.2% increment in monofilament tensile strength than non-functionalised specimens. This simple and effective strategy provided a promising approach for effective CFRP modification and continuous industrial production.