Fiber-Matrix Interface Engineering in Polymer Composites: Linking Surface Chemistry to Multiscale Mechanical...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Fiber-matrix interface engineering is critical for fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) mechanical performance.
• Translating interfacial property improvements into reliable structural performance remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the collective influence of surface chemistry, interphase architecture, nanomodification, and processing conditions on FRPC mechanical behavior.
• To emphasize the process-dependent nature of interfacial performance in FRPCs.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of existing literature on fiber-matrix interface modification strategies.
• Critical evaluation of reported interfacial improvements against macroscopic structural performance.
• Proposal of a multiscale framework to link physicochemical modifications with laminate-level failure mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Interfacial performance in FRPCs is strongly governed by manufacturing processes, not solely intrinsic material properties.
• Limitations in dispersion quality, resin rheology, processing defects, and scalability hinder the translation of interfacial improvements.
• A multiscale framework can connect interface modifications to failure mechanisms like delamination and fiber pull-out.

Conclusions:

• Future research must focus on process-integrated design and scalable interface engineering for next-generation FRPCs.
• Standardized evaluation methods and advanced interphase characterization are crucial research gaps.
• Multifunctional interphases and predictive modeling are key for advancing composite structures.