Enhanced mechanical and tribological properties of Kevlar/PTFE‐phenolic composites by improving interfacial properties by aramid nanofibers

Abstract To gain an in‐depth understanding of improving interfacial properties of the fabric‐reinforced polymer composites, aramid nanofibers (ANFs) were constructed in situ on Kevlar and PTFE fiber surface to promote the mechanical and tribologic properties of Kevlar/PTFE‐phenolic composites. Through rich interactions between in situ ANFs and the phenolic matrix, the interfacial characteristics of the inert and smooth functional fibers contained in the prepared composite change greatly. The tensile and bonding strength of ANF‐reinforced Kevlar/PTFE‐phenolic composite are increased by 32.1% and 30.32%, respectively. More importantly, the wear rate of ANF‐modified Kevlar/PTFE‐phenolic composites is decreased by 76.1%, compared with pristine composite. This work demonstrates that in situ formation ANFs on continuous Kevlar and PTFE fibers surface may endow robust interfacial adhesion strength and outstanding mechanical properties that are necessary for functional applications.