Page 3 - MODCOMP Newsletter no. 6

Newsletter, Volume 6

Latest Research Achievements

After 4 years of successful research cooperation, the MODCOMP project comes to an end in March 2020.
The following Newsletter presents the latest research work on the field of modified cost-effective fibre-
based structures with improved multi-functionality and performance.

Electrochemical treatment of CFs:
4 Years of Progress and Development

The surface treatment of CFs is essential to im- NTUA is capable to support four of the MOD-
prove the adhesion with various matrices and as COMP’s demonstrators with functionalised ma-
a result to enhance the mechanical performance terials via upscaling of the process. Large plies of
of the final composite. Electrochemical treat- CF fabrics (50cm x 50cm) can be treated with
ment is a method that aims at the modification polymethacrylic acid, a polymer coating that has
of the surface chemistry and wettability of CFs, proven to improve the interlaminar shear
and confer multi-functionality by introducing strength and the fracture toughness of compo-
new functional groups. In this scope, NTUA sites up to 50%. The main aim was to design (and
worked on the functionalisation of CFs by elec- possibly construct) a proper pilot scale treat-
trochemical treatment and subsequent electro- ment facility that will permit the introduction of
polymerization onto them. The first step has the process in industrial level. After a lot of re-
proven capable of increasing the surficial activity search and collaboration among MODCOMP
and the roughness of the fibers without damag- partners, NTUA has constructed a fully opera-
ing their structure. For the second step, this tional pilot line process that can treat CF contin-
method can be used for creating grafted poly- uously via electropolymerization with a produc-
mer coatings; this translates into increased wet- tion rate up to 200m/day.
tability of the fibers from the matrix and quite
possibly enhancement of the interlaminar shear For more information, you can contact:
strength. Prof. Costas A. Charitidis, NTUA
After 48 months of continuous research, experi-
ments, tests and redesign of the processes, E-mail: charitidis@chemeng.ntua.gr

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