Lubricants and Coupling Agents in the Processes of the Liquid-Phase Modification of the Surface of Carbon and Glass Fiber Fillers in the Production of Structural Materials: A Review

This review considers the major approaches used in the application of coupling agents and lubricants onto fiber. It is shown that the use of lubricants and coupling agents in the matrix–filler system of carbon and glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRPs and CFRPs) provides the required level of interfacial interaction. For polymer composite materials, the maximum positive effect is achieved by controlling the ratio of the functional groups on the surface of the fiber. It has been found that nitrogen-containing modifiers should be used for the formation of the optimum composition of the surface of a fiber with the predominance of amino and hydroxyl groups. The considered methods of modification of the surface of the fiber will make it possible to improve the quality of the polymer composite materials being developed due to the increase in the adhesive interaction of their components.