The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polymer composites are widely used for structural applications due to their high specific strength and stiffness, and fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion is a key factor in determining mechanical performance. In this study, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) was used as a biodegradable matrix, and shellac was introduced as a sizing agent to improve interfacial properties. Herein, CFs were coated with a PBAT/shellac blend, resulted in sizing layer onto the CFs, and CF/PBAT composites were fabricated by compression molding with the laminating of PBAT film and CFs. The interfacial and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated. The composites having the shellac-based sizing layer exhibited enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion and improved mechanical and impact properties compared to untreated composites. This demonstrates that shellac is an effective sizing agent for biodegradable polymer-based CF composites.