Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 March 2016
Novel flexible composites were received by modification of polyurethane-carbon fiber interface. The modification was done by carbon nanotube grafting onto a surface of the fiber. The almost inevitable grafting-induced deterioration of the fiber properties was avoided due to sophisticated grafting technique, which includes introduction of a protective aluminium oxide layer. Re-enforced composites were fabricated with polyurethane as a matrix. The measurement of interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was used for estimation of polymer-fiber interface properties. It was shown that IFSS increased more than twice due to nanotube grafting. Thermal conductivity and mechanical properties enhancement was registered for composites with modified interface. Significant improvement of delamination resistance was proven for composites with modified polymer-fiber interface.