Surface functionalization of unsized carbon fiber using nitrenes derived from organic azides

The surface of both oxidized and unoxidized unsized carbon fiber was functionalized using an aziridine linking group derived from reactive nitrenes. The aziridine functionality arose from the cyclization of a reactive nitrene species onto the highly electron rich graphitic surface of the carbon fibers; the nitrene species evolved from thermal N2 elimination from the corresponding (room temperature stable) azide. Surface functionalization using the nitrene approach was supported by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, in both oxidized and unoxidized carbon fiber. Attempts were also made to functionalize using amide chemistry, the two-step acid chloride coupling being successful for oxidized fibers by utilizing the carboxylic acid rich defect sites on the carbon fiber. None of the chemical treatment pathways had a significant impact on the tensile strength of the individual fibers, and atomic force microscopy revealed that fibers undergoing these treatment methodologies remained intact, without creating additional surface defects.