Carbon Fiber Modification With <scp>CaCO₃</scp> Nanoparticles by Microwave‐Assisted Approach for Composite Reinforcement

ABSTRACT It is a great challenge for enhancing both strength and toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy resin (CFs/EP) composite at the same time. Generally, a long time is needed for CF surface modification for the traditional modification method. Herein, CaCO 3 nanoparticles are in situ prepared and deposited on CF surfaces rapidly and efficiently by a microwave‐assisted method. Then CaCO 3 ‐modified CFs are introduced into EP resin, and the effect of CaCO 3 nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of CFs/EP composite is investigated. Results show that both strength and toughness of CFs/EP composites are enhanced simultaneously. CaCO 3 ‐modified CFs/EP composites reveal an increase of 20.3%, 25.8%, 21.4%, and 40.1% in tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength, and interlaminar shear strength, respectively, as compared to those of pristine CFs/EP composite. The strengthening and toughening mechanism is attributed to the strong mechanical interlocking interfacial action between the modified CFs and EP resin matrix. Therefore, the research extends a novel concept for fibers with unique surface morphologies in strengthening polymer composite.