Effect of polyurethane sizing on carbon fibers surface and interfacial adhesion of fiber/polyamide 6 composites

Commercial epoxy sized carbon fibers (CFs) or unsized CFs have poor interfacial adhesion with polyamide 6 (PA6). Here, CFs are coated with polyurethane (PU) and their surface properties in terms of surface chemistry, contact angle, roughness, and morphology, are investigated. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy demonstrate PU sizing evidently increases the quantity of polar functional groups on the CFs surface. The surface energy of the PU sized fiber is calculated according to the Owens–Wendt method. Compared with unsized fibers, the contact angle of PU sized fibers is decreased while their total surface energy is increased, indicating superior wettability. Moreover, transverse fiber bundle tests are performed to determine the interfacial adhesion between the CFs and PA6 matrix. The transverse fiber bundle strength of unsized CF is measured to be 12.57 MPa. For PU sized CFs processed with sizing concentration of 1.2%, this value is increased to 24.35 MPa, showing an increase of more than 90%. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46111.     

Improved interfacial adhesion in carbon fiber/epoxy composites through a waterborne epoxy resin sizing agent

A series of self‐emulsified waterborne epoxy resin (WEP) emulsions were used as surface sizing for carbon fibers (CFs) to improve the interfacial adhesion between the CF and epoxy matrix. In this work, the hydrogenated bisphenol‐A epoxy resin (HBPAE) was modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weights of 400, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 4000, and 6000 g/mol. The properties of the WEP emulsion were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The surface characteristics of sized CFs were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Afterwards, CF/EP composites were prepared and their fracture surface and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) were examined. The results indicated that PEG2000 modified HBPAE sizing had the optimum emulsion stability and film‐forming ability. Meanwhile, the results also demonstrated that a continuous and uniform sizing layer was formed on the surface of CFs and the surface sizing was excellent in improving the chemical activity of CFs. Compared with unsized CFs, the O1s/C1s composition ratio was observed to increase from 11.51% to 33.17% and the ILSS of CF/EP composites increased from 81.2 to 89.7 MPa, exhibiting better mechanical property than that of commercial Takemoto S64 sized CFs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44757.     

Interface improvement of carbon fiber/methylphenylsilicone resin composites by fiber surface coating of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes

To enhance interfacial properties of carbon fibers (CFs)-reinforced methylphenylsilicone resin (MPSR) composites, we introduced an appropriate interface reinforced by trisilanolphenyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (trisilanolphenyl-POSS) between CFs and MPSR with a liquid phase deposition strategy. Chemical bonds among silanol groups of trisilanolphenyl-POSS, hydroxyl-functionalized CF (CF–OH), and silanol end groups of MPSR in the coating were expected to be formed through condensation reaction during the prepared process. CFs with and without sizing treatment-reinforced MPSR composites were prepared by a compression molding method. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that trisilanolphenyl-POSS particles enhanced the contents of fiber surface oxygen-containing groups and silicon-containing functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images showed that trisilanolphenyl-POSS nanoparticles have been introduced onto the fiber surface obviously and the surface roughness increased sharply. Dynamic contact angle analysis indicated that trisilanolphenyl-POSS-modified sizing agent could improve the fiber wettability and surface energy significantly. Short-beam bending test and impact toughness test results showed that the interlaminar shear strength and impact resistance of the sized CFs composites were enhanced greatly with increasing amplitudes of more than 35 and 27% in comparison with those of untreated CF composites, respectively. Cryo-fractured surface topographies of composites confirmed that interfacial adhesion between CFs and MPSR has been improved after sizing treatment. Meanwhile, the sizing treatment does not decrease single fiber tensile strength.     

Influence of new thermoplastic sizing agents on the mechanical behavior of poly(ether ketone ketone)/carbon fiber composites

In this study, unidirectional poly(ether ether ketone)/carbon fiber (CF) composite sheets were elaborated with unsized, epoxy‐sized, and thermoplastic‐sized CFs by hot‐press molding. The thermoplastic sizings that we used were poly(ether imide) (PEI) and poly(ether ketone ketone) oligomer aqueous dispersions. Scanning electron microscopy observation of the composites freeze fractures showed that unlike unsized or epoxy‐sized CFs, the thermoplastic sizings improved the interaction between the fibers and the matrix. A comparative study of the mechanical relaxations by dynamic mechanical analysis was carried out on the different composites before and after immersion in kerosene. At low temperature, the PEI sizing had a significant influence on the β relaxation, particularly after kerosene immersion. The thermoplastic sizings did not modify the glass‐transition temperature but improved the kerosene resistance on the composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42550.     

The Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Anodic Oxidation Treatment Carbon Fiber-Filled PU Composite

The interfacial adhesion of the carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyurethane (PU) composite was improved by the means of anodic oxidation treatment. The mechanical and reciprocating sliding wear properties were studied and results showed that the anodic oxidation treatment have definitely improved the mechanical strength. And the wear and the friction coefficient of PU decreased with the addition of CF. The friction coefficients of anodic oxidation treated CF/PU composites are lower than those of PU and CF/PU composite. The interfacial adhesion between the CF and PU dominated the main wear mechanisms.     

Interfacial shear strength in carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) composites

We studied interfacial shear strength (IFSS) in carbon fiber (CF)‐reinforced poly (phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) composites system, with emphasis on the influence of forming temperature of composite and sizing agent on CFs. To obtain apparent IFSS of CF‐reinforced PPEK composites shaped at various forming temperatures ranged from 20 up to 370°C, microbond test was carried out at single‐fiber composites. Results of microbond test showed that apparent IFSS was directly proportional to the difference between the matrix solidification temperature (forming temperature) and the test temperature and approximately 80% of the apparent IFSS in CF/PPEK composite system was attributed to residual radial compressive stress at the fiber/matrix interface. By sizing CF with sizing agent, the wettability of the fiber by the matrix was improved and the final apparent IFSS was also improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1921–1926, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Poly(lactic acid)–thermoplastic poly(ether)urethane composites synergistically reinforced and toughened with short carbon fibers for three‐dimensional printing

In this study, we prepared short‐carbon‐fiber (CF)‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA)–thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends by melt blending. The effects of the initial fiber length and content on the morphologies and thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of the composites were systematically investigated. We found that the mechanical properties of the composites were almost unaffected by the fiber initial length. However, with increasing fiber content, the stiffness and toughness values of the blends were both enhanced because of the formation of a TPU‐mediated CF network. With the incorporation of 20 wt % CFs into the PLA–TPU blends, the tensile strength was increased by 70.7%, the flexural modulus was increased by 184%, and the impact strength was increased by 50.4%. Compared with that of the neat PLA, the impact strength of the CF‐reinforced composites increased up to 1.92 times. For the performance in three‐dimensional printing, excellent mechanical properties and a good‐quality appearance were simultaneously obtained when we printed the composites with a thin layer thickness. Our results provide insight into the relationship among the CFs, phase structure, and performance, as we achieved a good stiffness–toughness balance in the PLA–TPU–CF ternary composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46483.     

Temperature effect on interfacial bonding property of single‐carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite

The changes in interfacial fracture energy of three kinds of commercially sized carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy resin composites in the range from ambient temperature to 130°C were investigated using the single‐fiber fragmentation test to evaluate the heat resistance of the interphase. The effects of CF sizing on the interfacial bonding property were studied using desized CF/epoxy resin composites. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry of the combination of sizing and matrix were employed to investigate the role of sizing on the variations in the fiber/matrix interfacial property under elevated temperature. The interfacial fracture energy values of all the studied CF composites were found to decrease quickly during the initial stage of temperature rise and drop gradually at higher temperature. At elevated temperature, the desized CF composites had higher heat resistance than the corresponding sized fiber composites. The differences in the interfacial heat resistance among the three kinds of CF composites and the difference in the interfacial thermal stability between the sized and the desized fiber composites were related to different glass transition temperatures of the interphases. The interaction between sizing and the matrix and the chain motion of the crosslink structure of the interphase has been suggested to determine the interfacial heat resistance. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improving mechanical and thermal properties of short carbon fiber/polyamide 6 composites through a polydopamine/nano-silica interface layer

Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced matrix composites have been applied widely, however, the interfacial adhesion of composites is weak due to smooth and chemically inert of CF surface. To solve this problem, A polydopamine/nano-silica (PDA-SiO₂) interfacial layer on carbon fiber surface was constructed via polydopamine and nano- SiO₂ (CF-PDA-SiO₂) by a facile and effective method to reinforce polyamide 6 composites (CFs/PA6). The effects of PDA-SiO₂ interfacial layer on crystallization structure and behavior, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of CFs/PA6 composites were investigated. Furthermore, interfacial reinforcement mechanism of composites has been discussed. This interfacial layer greatly increased the number of active groups of CF surface and its wettability obviously. The tensile strength of CF-PDA-SiO₂/PA6 composites increased by 28.09%, 19.37%, and 26.22% compared to untreated-CF/PA6, CF-PDA/PA6, and CF-SiO₂/PA6 composites, respectively, which might be caused by the increased interfacial adhesion between CF and PA6 matrix. The thermal stability, crystallization temperature, crystallinity, and glass transition temperature (T_g) of CF-PDA-SiO₂/PA6 composites improved correspondingly, attributing to the heterogeneous nucleation of nano-SiO₂ in the crystalline area and hydrogen bonds with molecular chains of PA6 in the amorphous area. This work provides a novel strategy for the construction of interfaces suitable for advanced CF composites with different structures.     

Influence of carbon fiber surface treatments on the structure and properties of conductive carbon fiber/polyethylene films

Effects of carbon fiber (CF) surface modification on the crystalline structure and both electrical and mechanical properties of conductive CF/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) films were studied. Three different types of surface‐treated CF, epoxy‐sized, unsized, and sized but thermally treated, were considered. It was found that the uniformity of the transcrystalline zone around CF and the overall crystallinity of the polyethylene matrix decreased when epoxy‐sized CF was used. Epoxy‐sized CF caused a significant reduction not only in electrical resistivity and temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) but also tensile strength and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of composite films compared with that of unsized or sized CF that was thermally treated. We observed the systematic changes of TCR and CLTE values in accordance with CF surface modification and CF content in composite films. It was concluded that thermal expansion of the polymer matrix is the main reason for the positive TCR of CF/HDPE films. As the most probable reasons for decreased resistivity and strength of the CF/HDPE films with epoxy‐sized CF, the diffusion of epoxy sizing agent into the polyethylene matrix and the formation of loosened semiconductive interphase structure in the film are considered. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 2040–2048, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10500     

Development of multiwalled‐carbon‐nanotube‐welded carbon fibers and evaluation of the interfacial strength in epoxy composites

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐welded carbon fibers (CFs) were prepared by a three‐step process, which included polyacrylonitrile (PAN) coating, MWCNT absorption, and heat treatment. The structure of these materials was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The MWCNTs were uniformly assembled on the surface of the PAN‐coated CFs and welded by a PAN‐based carbon layer after heat treatment. The contact angle of the MWCNT‐welded CFs in the epoxy resins was 41.70°; this was 22.35% smaller than that of the unsized CFs. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the MWCNT‐welded CF–epoxy composite was 83.15 MPa; this was 28.89% higher than that of the unsized CF–epoxy composite. The increase in the IFSS was attributed to the enhancement of adhesions between the CFs and polymer matrix through the welding of the MWCNTs on the CFs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45027.     

Prospect of nanoscale interphase evaluation to predict composite properties

For meeting the requirements of lightweight and improved mechanical properties, composites could be tailor-made for specific applications if the adhesion strength which plays a key role for improved properties can be predicted. The relationship between wettability and adhesion strength has been discussed. The microstructure of interphases and adhesion strength can be significantly altered by different surface modifications of the reinforcing fibers, since the specific properties of the interphase result from nucleation, thermal and/or intrinsic stresses, sizing used, interdiffusion, and roughness. The experimental results could not confirm a simple and direct correlation between wettability and adhesion strength for different model systems. The main objective of the work was to identify the interphases for different fiber/polymer matrix systems. By using phase imaging and nanoindentation tests based on atomic force microscopy (AFM), a comparative study of the local mechanical property variation in the interphase of glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin (EP) and glass fiber reinforced polypropylene matrix (PP) composites was conducted. As model sizings for PP composites, γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) and either polyurethane (PU) or polypropylene (PP) film former on glass fibers were investigated. The EP-matrix was combined with either unsized glass fibers or glass fibers treated with APS/PU sizing. It was found that phase imaging AFM was a highly useful tool for probing the interphase with much detailed information. Nanoindentation with sufficiently small indentation force was found to be sufficient for measuring actual interphase properties within a 100-nm region close to the fiber surface. Subsequently, it also indicated a different gradient in the modulus across the interphase region due to different sizings. The possibilities of controlling bond strength between fiber surface and polymer matrix are discussed in terms of elastic moduli of the interphases compared with surface stiffness of sized glass fibers, micromechanical results, and the mechanical properties of real composites.     

Enhanced interfacial strength and mechanical properties of carbon fiber composites by introducing functionalized silica nanoparticles into the interface

Introducing nanoparticles onto the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) is a useful method for enhancing the quality of fiber-matrix interface. In this work, a liquid sizing agent containing functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiO₂) was well prepared to improve interfacial strength and mechanical properties of composites. In order to enhance the dispersion of SiO₂ nanoparticles in sizing agent, SiO₂ nanoparticles were chemically grafted with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), and then silanized silica (SiO₂-APS) was introduced into the interphase by a conventional sizing process as well. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the successful preparation of SiO₂-APS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that a uniform distribution of SiO₂-APS on the fiber surface and the increased surface roughness. The sized fibers (CF/SiO₂-APS) exhibited a high surface free energy and good wettability based on a dynamic contact angle testing. Interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of untreated and sized CFs composites were investigated. Simultaneous enhancements of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and impact toughness of CF/SiO₂-APS composites were achieved, increasing 44.79% in ILSS and 31.53% in impact toughness compared to those of untreated composites. Moreover, flexural strength and modulus of composites increased by 32.22 and 50.0% according to flexural test. In addition, the hydrothermal aging resistance of CF/SiO₂-APS composites has been improved significantly owing to the introduced Si-O-Si bonds at the interface.     

Improving the interfacial properties of carbon fiber–epoxy resin composites with a graphene-modified sizing agent

We successfully prepared a graphene-modified carbon fiber (CF) sizing agent with good dispersity and stability by dispersing reduced graphene oxide (RGO) into an emulsion-type sizing agent. RGO was obtained by the reduction of graphene oxide (GO) with the help of gallic acid. The influence of the graphene-modified sizing agent on the interfacial properties of the CF–epoxy resin composites was investigated with microbond testing and the three-point bending method. The results show that optimized interfacial properties were achieved when the size of the modified graphene was less than 1 μm, the content of RGO was 20 ppm, and the pH value of the sizing agent was 10.5. The interfacial shear strength of the composites reached 92.3 MPa, which was 29.6% higher than that of the composites with unmodified CFs. Compared with commercial-CF-fabric-reinforced composites, the interlaminar shear strength of the composites treated with the RGO-modified sizing agent increased by 21.5%. Both the interfacial and interlaminar failure morphologies of the composites were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that a large amount of residual resin adhered to the surfaces of the CFs treated with the RGO-modified sizing agent; this indicated good interfacial properties between the CFs and the resin matrix. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47122.     

Mechanical properties and nonisothermal crystallization of polyamide 6/carbon fiber composites toughened by maleated elastomers

Polyamide 6/carbon fiber (PA6/CF) composites toughened with maleated elastomers were prepared by melt blending using twin‐screw extruder followed by injection molding. Three kinds of maleated elastomers, maleic anhydride (MAH)‐grafted ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA‐g‐MAH), MAH‐grafted ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM‐g‐MAH), and MAH‐grafted hydrogenated styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SEBS‐g‐MAH), were used to toughen the PA6/CF composites. The mechanical properties, morphology, nonisothermal crystallization, and subsequent melting behavior of PA6 hybrid composites were investigated. Mechanical tests indicated that incorporation of elastomers improved the impact properties of CF‐reinforced PA composites accompanied with loss of tensile strength and modulus. It was observed from scanning electron microscope photographs that modification with maleated elastomers improved the interfacial adhesion between the CFs and PA6 matrix. Nonisothermal crystallization behavior showed that three kinds of elastomers had negative effect on crystallization and retarded crystallization of PA6. Kissinger's analysis illustrated that addition of CF slightly increased the crystallization activation energy of PA6, whereas incorporation of elastomers reversed it compared with pure PA6. Furthermore, a slight decrease in crystallinity and melting peak of the composites after incorporation of elastomers was observed compared with pure PA6. Polarizing optical microscope results showed that the transcrystallinity phenomenon seemed to be also affected when the matrix was added by the elastomers. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2170–2179, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Interfacial improvement of carbon fiber-reinforced methylphenylsilicone resin composites with sizing agent containing functionalized carbon nanotubes

A liquid sizing agent containing multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared for carbon fiber (CF) reinforced methylphenylsilicone resin (MPSR) composite applications. In order to improve the dispersion of MWCNTs in the sizing agent and interfacial adhesion between CF and MPSR, MWCNTs and CF were functioned by the chemical modification with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) used as a MPSR curing agents. The CF before and after the sizing treatment-reinforced MPSR composites were prepared by a compression molding method. The microstructures, interfacial properties, and impact toughness of CF were systematically investigated. Experimental results revealed that a thin layer of MPSR coating containing functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNT-TEPA) was uniformly grafted onto the surface of CF. The sized CF-reinforced MPSR composite showed simultaneously remarkable enhancement in the interlaminar shear strength and impact toughness. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of CF had no obvious decrease after sizing treatment. In addition, the interfacial reinforcing and toughening mechanisms were also discussed. We believe that the facile and effective method in preparing multifunctional fibers provides a novel interface design strategy of carbon fiber composites for different applications.     

Properties of carbon fiber and composites modified with different‐sized graphene oxide sheets

The graphene oxide (GO) sheets with different size distributions were effectively separated by a centrifugation method. The exfoliated single‐layer structure and the size of GO sheets were verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and metallurgical microscope, respectively. Two different‐sized GO sheets water suspensions were obtained, which were then directly dispersed in carbon fiber (CF) sizing agent, respectively. The influences of the different‐sized GO sheets on CF and CF composites were explored. The workability in later process of CF and CF surface morphology were characterized by abrasion resistance, fluffs and breakage, stiffness, and SEM. SEM micrographs demonstrated that a nonuniform distribution of the large‐sized GO was lapped on CF whereas the small‐sized GO was uniformly leaned on CF. The interlaminar shear strength of the small‐sized GO/CF reinforced composite could reaches the maximum value. It indicated that the interfacial region between CF and polymer matrix could be enhanced by adjusting the size of GO sheets. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:2719–2726, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Nanoscale toughening of carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites through different surface treatments

Interests in improving poor interfacial adhesion in carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites has always been a hotspot. In this work, four physicochemical surface treatments for enhancing fiber/matrix adhesion are conducted on carbon fibers (CFs) including acid oxidation, sizing coating, silane coupling, and graphene oxide (GO) deposition. The surface characteristics of CFs are investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, interfacial shear strength, and interlaminar shear strength. The results showed that GO deposition can remarkably promote fiber/matrix bonding due to improved surface reactivity and irregularity. In comparison, epoxy sizing and acid oxidation afford enhancement of IFSS owing to effective molecular chemical contact and interlocking forces between the fiber and the matrix. Besides, limited covalent bonds between silane coupling and epoxy matrix cannot make up for the negative effects of excessive smoothness of modified CFs, endowing them inferior mechanical properties. Based on these results, three micro‐strengthening mechanisms are proposed to broadly categorize the interphase micro‐configuration of CFRP composite, namely, “Etching” “Coating”, and “Grafting” modifications, demonstrating that proper treatments should be chosen for combining optimum interfacial properties in CFRP composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:625–632, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improvement of interfacial interactions in CF/PEEK composites by an s-PSF/graphene oxide compound sizing agent

The interfacial interactions of carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polymer composites is a key factor affecting the overall performance of the material. In this work, we prepared a sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)–graphene oxide mixed sizing agent to modify the interface of CF/PEEK composites and improve the interfacial properties between the PEEK matrix and CF. Results showed that the mechanical and interfacial properties of CF/PEEK composites are improved by the sizing agent. Specifically, the flexural strength, flexural modulus and interlaminar shear strength of the materials reached 847.29 MPa, 63.77 GPa, and 73.17 MPa, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed markedly improved adhesion between the resin matrix and fibers. This work provides a simple and effective method for the preparation of high-performance CF/PEEK composites, which can improve the performance of composites without degrading the mechanical property of pristine CF.     

Carbon‐fiber‐reinforced acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate composites: Mechanical and rheological properties and electrical resistivity

The aim of this study was to improve the mechanical properties of an acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate copolymer (ASA) with the help of carbon fibers (CFs). Additionally, the effects of the CFs on the morphology, rheological properties, dynamical mechanical properties, electrical resistivity, and heat resistance of the ASA composites were studied with scanning electron microscopy, rotational rheometry, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA). The mechanical properties of the ASA composites were enhanced largely by the CFs. The maximum tensile strength of the ASA/CF composites reached 107.2 MPa. The flexural strength and flexural modulus also reached 162.7 MPa and 12.4 GPa, respectively. These findings were better than those of neat ASA; this was attributed to the excellent interfacial adhesion between the CFs and ASA resin. Rheological experiments proved that the viscosity and storage modulus (G′) values of the ASA/CF composites did not increase until the CF content reached 20%. The DMA outcomes confirmed that the glass‐transition temperature of the ASA composites was elevated from 120.6 to 125°C. Importantly, the G′ values of the composites with 20 and 30% CFs showed a large increase during heating. In addition, the ASA/CF composites exhibited excellent conductivity and heat resistance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43252.