Fabrication of carbon fiber/polyamide 6 composites with water resistance and anti-icing performance using a superhydrophobic fluorinated-polydopamine coating
Seung Mo Son, Minjung Kim, Jung Jae Yoo, Min Seong Kim, Byeong‐Su Kim, Dong Gi Seong
Abstract
With the advance of the reactive liquid molding process for mass production, polyamide 6 (PA 6)-based carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) with excellent impact resistance and recyclability has been developed, but there is still a limit to the application of external parts due to deterioration of mechanical properties in a moisture environment. This study proposes an efficient process that is advantageous for the mass production of CFRTP with improved water stability by coating fluorinated polydopamine ( f -PDA) on PA 6-based CFRTP fabricated by the thermoplastic resin transfer molding process. Compared to neat CFRTP, the interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength of the CFRTP immersed in water improved by 16% and 31%, respectively, with a significant reduction in water absorption of 42%. Furthermore, the anti-icing performance of the CFRTP was verified, as evidenced by a 49% reduction in surface energy. The proposed f -PDA-CFRTP is anticipated to be applied to external parts in various transportation industries while ensuring environmental reliability.