Enhancement of para-aramid fibers by depositing poly-p-paraphenylene terephthalamide oligomer modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract In this work, a facile and effective approach was developed to enhance para-aramid fiber (AF). Poly-p-paraphenylene terephthalamide oligomer modified amino-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PPTA-MWNTs-x) were prepared and deposited on the surface of AF. TEM and AFM analyses proved the successful grafting of PPTA oligomers onto the surface of MWNTs-NH2. The modified MWNTs showed better dispersion stability compared with that of MWNTs-NH2. PPTA-MWNTs-x deposited on the AF surface was characterized by SEM and XRD. SEM images showed a relatively homogeneous distribution of PPTA-MWNTs-x over the aramid fibers. XRD analysis showed the crystallographic index value of AF/PPTA-MWNTs-x increased significantly as compared to that of AF, suggesting a more regular and ordered crystalline structure. The tensile test and single fiber pullout test were conducted. The results confirmed that PPTA-MWNTs-x could greatly enhance the mechanical properties of AF and improve the interfacial properties of EP/AF and PP/AF composites.