Effects of surface modification on mechanical properties and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of carbon fiber/silk fiber hybrid composites

Abstract In this paper, a hybrid approach was employed by integrating a high‐modulus, high‐tensile‐strength carbon fiber fabric (CFF) with a low‐density, high‐toughness silk nonwoven fabric (SNWF) to fabricate CFF‐SNWF reinforced epoxy (CFF‐SNWF/EP) hybrid composites. Through the surface freeze‐induced self‐assembly process, the multiscale hybrid modified layers were successfully constructed on the surfaces of both CFF and SNWF. This novel approach effectively enhanced the interfacial strength of the hybrid fibers (HFs). Comparing the performance of the modified composites with unmodified CFF reinforced epoxy (CFF/EP), significant improvements in both tensile strength and interlaminar shear strength were observed. Specifically, the tensile strength and interlaminar shear strength of the modified composites reached 626.7 and 39.16 MPa, a rise scope of 17.1% and 14.8%, respectively. In addition, the hybrid fibers reinforced polymers (HFRPs) exhibited a superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities. For insistence, the modified CFF/EP with a thickness of 2.0 mm showed an impressive EMI shielding effectiveness value of 50 dB. These findings underscore the promising application potential of CFF‐SNWF/EP hybrid composites, particularly in the field of consumer electronics. Highlights The surface of hybrid fiber was modified by PDA‐GO‐OCNTs‐WPU. Multi‐scale structure contributes a lot in composite performance. Hybrid effect before and after interfacial modification is performed. The hybrid interface modification and hybrid structure were analyzed.