To gain an in-depth understanding of improving interfacial properties of the
fabric-reinforced polymer composites, aramid nanofibers (ANFs) were constructed
in situ on Kevlar and PTFE fiber surface to promote the mechanical
and tribologic properties of Kevlar/PTFE-phenolic composites. Through rich
interactions between in situ ANFs and the phenolic matrix, the interfacial
characteristics of the inert and smooth functional fibers contained in the prepared
composite change greatly. The tensile and bonding strength of ANFreinforced
Kevlar/PTFE-phenolic composite are increased by 32.1% and
30.32%, respectively. More importantly, the wear rate of ANF-modified Kevlar/
PTFE-phenolic composites is decreased by 76.1%, compared with pristine composite.
This work demonstrates that in situ formation ANFs on continuous
Kevlar and PTFE fibers surface may endow robust interfacial adhesion
strength and outstanding mechanical properties that are necessary for functional
applications.