Property improvement of a fibrous composite using functionalized carbon nanofibers

This work focuses on the preparation and characterization of multiscale epoxy‐matrix composites reinforced by basalt fibers and carbon nanofiber (CNF). CNF powders were first functionalized with 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis; then, the epoxy resin was incorporated with 0.05 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.3 wt%, and 0.5 wt% f‐CNF. The influence of functionalized‐CNF (f‐CNF) loading on the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), tensile, and wear behaviors of the multiscale basalt fiber/epoxy composites was studied. Whereas a relatively small improvement (12%) in tensile strength was achieved, a remarkable enhancement in ILSS (73%) was obtained for the multiscale specimen with an f‐CNF loading of 0.3 wt%. Also, the multiscale specimen filled with 0.5 wt% f‐CNF showed an improvement of 37% in tensile modulus. The wear rate and friction coefficient of the 0.3 wt% f‐CNF loaded composite were decreased by 56% and 38% with respect to the neat specimen, respectively. To establish the microstructure‐property relationship, the worn and fractured surfaces of the specimens were analyzed.