Effect of secondary modification of silane coupling agent and graphene oxide on interfacial properties of aramid fiber

Abstract

To improve the interface strength between aramid fiber (PPTA) and NBR composites, the silane coupling agent (A172) and graphene oxide (GO) were used to have the graft modification treatment to the aramid fiber surface and analyze the chemical construction, surface topography and H-pull test of aramid fiber before and after treatment. The microstructure of the pull out fiber surface and section of the rubber-based aramid fiber reinforced polymer(AFRP) was analyzed by SEM. The results show that the oxygen-containing groups on the fiber surface are increased and the chemical activity is improved after the secondary surface modification to the aramid fiber is conducted with the silane coupling agent and GO. The obvious attachments can be found on the surface after treatment. The fiber structure has no obvious damage and its surface roughness is improved substantially. The H-pull test after treatment increases with an optimal effect of aramid fiber H-pull test after the secondary modification with GO (improved to 48.748 MPa from 18.192 MPa). The interface bonding strength between the aramid fiber and NBR is improved dramatically, thus confirming the effectiveness of the silane coupling agent and GO in the secondary modification to the aramid fiber, which provides reference for the study of the performance of the rubber-based AFRP.

Keywords

• aramid fiber
• graphene oxide
• silane coupling agent
• surface modification
• interface strength