Improved interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber‐reinforced polydicyclopentadiene layered composite material by modification of norbornene derivatives

Surface chemical grafting modifications of carbon fibers (CFs) using 5‐(triethoxysilyl)norbornene (TOS), norbornene carboxylic acid tert‐butyl ester (NB‐TBE), and 5‐norbornene‐2,3‐dicarboxylic anhydride (NA) improved interfacial interactions between CFs and poly(dicyclopentadiene) (PDCPD) resin. The ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of DCPD, catalyzed by Grubbs catalyst II, enabled the fabrication of PDCPD/CF layered composite materials with resin and fibers tightly adhered. The optimal composite exhibited remarkable mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 654.6 MPa and flexural strength of 510.7 MPa. Excellent thermal stability with a maximum weight loss rate in temperatures above 450°C and good chemical resistance with a weight change of about 1% in both acidic and alkaline media highlight the promising potential of these materials for use in harsh environments. The simple yet efficient approach of TOS, NB‐TBE, and NA‐enhanced layered CF shows great promise as advanced composite materials for industrial applications. Highlights Norbornene derivatives such as TOS, NB‐TBE, and NA are suitable modifiers for CF. ROMP of DCPD and norbornene group onto CFs, fabrication of PDCPD/CF composite materials. The composite exhibited remarkable interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties. The main process of CF modification using TOS, preparation of PDCPD/CF composite materials, and results of their mechanical properties.