Influence of Modification on the Electrochemical Properties and Thermal Oxidation Stability of Carbon Fibers

The electrochemical and thermal properties of composites prepared from carbon fiber modified by chitosan deposited on the fiber surface in various forms were investigated. The electrochemical behavior of a composite modified with chitosan in the sulfate form differed from that of starting carbon fiber and composites modified by electrochemical deposition of chitosan. The preparation conditions and subsequent electrochemical treatment affected the thermal oxidative stability of the composites. It was noted that cyclic cathodic-anodic and then cathodic treatment of the composites degraded them significantly. Cyclic voltammetry could be used to assess the surface condition of fibers modified with chitosan.