Enhanced mechanical performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites by interface modification with self‐assembled γ‐ Al 2 O 3 nanosheet/graphene

Abstract In order to enhance the mechanical performance of carbon fiber/epoxy resin composites (CF/EPs), a series of γ‐Al 2 O 3 nanosheet/graphene (AG) composites were prepared by hydrothermal method, and successfully introduced into the carbon fiber (CF) surface via self‐assembly process, which significantly improved the interfacial bonding force between CF and EP. Mechanical test results showed that the AG modified CF/EPs exhibited superior properties in interfacial shear strength (IFSS), interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), tensile strengths, and flexural strengths compared with the untreated CF/EPs, which were enhanced by 142.9%, 59.6%, 152.5%, and 40.5%, respectively. This is mainly because AG largely increases the CF surface roughness and penetrates into the matrix to enhance the mechanical interlocking effect, crack deflection effect, and Van der Waals forces between CF and polymer matrix. Briefly, the AG synthesized in this study will provide an experimental validation for the development of high‐performance carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) and exhibit potential application prospects in automotive and other fields. Highlights Graphene effectively inhibits the agglomeration of γ‐Al 2 O 3 nanosheet. γ‐Al 2 O 3 nanosheet/graphene increases the interfacial properties of CF/EPs. γ‐Al 2 O 3 nanosheet/graphene largely enhances the mechanical performance of CF/EPs. The as‐prepared AGCF/EPs have potential application in automotive and other fields.