| A series of PAN-based T300 carbon fibers was continuously, electrochemically oxidized in aqueous and organic media. A 30% fiber weight loss was obtained at an extent of oxidation of 10,600 C/g. Acidic functional groups were produced on fiber surfaces in amounts from 0 to 2640 μmol/g as the extent of oxidation increased from 0 to 10600 C/g. These surface functions were further reacted with diethylenetriamine to introduce amine functions onto fibers. The oxidation extended far deeper than the XPS detection limit (<100 Å). N 2 BET at 77K gave very low fiber specific surface area in contrast to CO2 DR measurements at 273 K which confirmed large increases in surface area with oxidation. No heavy damage or macro-/mesopores were found in scanning electron micrographs. An ultramicropore structure was characterized by the CO2 DR method combined with nonlocal density functional theory. The average pore diameter was about 1.2 nm with a dominant pore diameter of 0.4 nm. CCl4, methylene blue, I2, AgNO3, and Ni(NO3)2 adsorption studies were performed. A pH-dependent swelling model was discussed. In basic media, a solvation/swelling process allows small molecules to penetrate the microporous channels and react with fiber functional groups. A remote site silver reduction/adsorption model was confirmed based upon high AgNO3 adsorption and qualitative experiments. Single filament breaking and fragmentation tests and fiber/epoxy composite mechanical tests were conducted. Fiber/epoxy matrix adhesion was improved by oxidation although the fiber tensile strength decreased. Post-heat treatment causes further weight loss and the loss of oxygen-containing surface functional groups. |
