Codepositing Mussel-Inspired Nanohybrids onto One-Dimensional Fibers under "green" Conditions for Significantly Enhanced Surface/Interfacial Properties

Codeposition of a mussel-inspired nanohybrid coating was realized onto a carbon fiber (CF) surface via coincubation in a dopamine (DA) and octaammonium polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-NH₂) mixed aqueous solution. The deposition procedure was conducted under ambient conditions, and no harsh conditions and toxic solvents were needed. The surface morphologies, compositions, and energies of CFs were investigated. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was measured to demonstrate the interfacial combination and compatibility of fiber and epoxy resin, and the single-filament tensile strength (TS) was also determined to evaluate the damage degree brought by the modification procedure to the fiber intrinsic strength. As a result, the nanohybrid coating could greatly enhance surface wettability, interfacial compatibility, and interfacial mechanical strength and bring no deterioration to fiber intrinsic strength. Our facile strategy presents a promising platform to modify various one-dimensional fiber surfaces for advanced composite materials toward broadly mechanical-demanding and energy-saving usages.