Improvement of the interfacial properties of CF/PEEK composites by introducing aminated polyphenylene sulphide (PPS‐NH2) as a sizing agent

Abstract The resin matrix and CF fibers itself of CF/PEEK composites exhibit surface inertness, resulting in poor interface bonding between CF and PEEK matrix. This phenomenon seriously affects the mechanical properties of CF/PEEK composites especially the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). In order to improve the interfacial properties of CF/PEEK composites, a novel sizing agent of CF fibers namely PPS‐NH 2 was synthesized, and its influence on the fibers–matrix interface interaction and properties of CF/PEEK composites was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy. The results showed that the interface of CF/PEEK composite was improved by coating PPS‐NH 2 sizing agent on the surface of CF. When the amination degree of PPS‐NH 2 reaches 31.25%, the ILSS, flexural strength and modulus of CF/PEEK Composites reach 73.9 MPa (119%), 671.4 MPa (63%) and 32.8GPa (51%) and, respectively. At the same time, the main failure mechanism of CF/PEEK composites changes from fibers–matrix debonding into interface layer deformation and resin fracture. This method can effectively improve the interface defects between CF/PEEK composites.