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Review
. 2021 Jul 27;13(15):2474.
doi: 10.3390/polym13152474.

Comprehensive Review of the Properties and Modifications of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

Basheer A Alshammari  1 , Mohammed S Alsuhybani  2 , Alaa M Almushaikeh  2 , Bander M Alotaibi  3 , Asma M Alenad  4 , Naif B Alqahtani  1 , Abdullah G Alharbi  5
Affiliations
Review

Comprehensive Review of the Properties and Modifications of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

Basheer A Alshammari et al. Polymers (Basel). .

Abstract

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers are considered a promising composite for many industrial applications including in the automation, renewable energy, and aerospace industries. They exhibit exceptional properties such as a high strength-to-weight ratio and high wear resistance and stiffness, which give them an advantage over other conventional materials such as metals. Various polymers can be used as matrices such as thermosetting, thermoplastic, and elastomers polymers. This comprehensive review focuses on carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymers due to the advantages of thermoplastic compared to thermosetting and elastomer polymers. These advantages include recyclability, ease of processability, flexibility, and shorter production time. The related properties such as strength, modulus, thermal conductivity, and stability, as well as electrical conductivity, are discussed in depth. Additionally, the modification techniques of the surface of carbon fiber, including the chemical and physical methods, are thoroughly explored. Overall, this review represents and summarizes the future prospective and research developments carried out on carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymers.

Keywords: carbon fibers; polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); surface treatment; thermoplastic resin.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Global CFRP consumption in 2018 is categorized by (a) application, (b) sales, (c) region, and (d) manufacturing techniques. Global CF consumption in 2020 (e) by application and (f) estimated worldwide CFRP waste in 2050 from the aeronautical sector by region [6].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Properties and their connections to different industrial sectors.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic diagram of poor and excellent interfacial adhesion between the polymer matrix and the reinforcement.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The standard treatment methods of CF surfaces.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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