The Ethylenediamine Surface Functionalization of TiO ₂ on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber Filled PMMA Composite

ABSTRACT To improve the stress transfer between PMMA and carbon fibers, ethylenediamine surface functionalization of TiO 2 were grown on carbon fibers to produce TiO 2 grown short carbon fibers. The synergic reinforcing effects of combined fillers were analyzed on the fracture surface of composites through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical characterization of composites was performed to investigate the synergy effects of TiO 2 and CF in the PMMA matrix. The multiscale composites revealed significant improvement in modulus, strength, as well as impact resistance in comparison to CF/PMMA composites. The optimum mechanical properties of CF/TiO 2 /PMMA composite were obtained when the TiO 2 content was 6 vol% for 15 vol% CF/PMMA composite.