Disclosed herein are composite materials comprising a siliconized carbon fiber fabric and polymeric sizing. In one embodiment, the polymeric sizing can be bismaleimide, an epoxy resin, or both. In another embodiment, the composite materials possess mechanical strength and durability and acceptable performance after extended periods of time in storage. In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method for making the composite materials, the method including at least the steps of (a) siliconizing the carbon fiber fabric to produce a siliconized carbon fiber fabric; and (b) applying a polymeric sizing material to the siliconized carbon fiber fabric to create the composite material. In yet another embodiment, disclosed herein are composite materials formed by the disclosed process and articles comprising the composite materials including, but not limited to, camping equipment, military equipment, clothing, sporting equipment, aerospace equipment, wrinkle-free fabric, or any combination thereof.

The invention relates to fluoropolymer composites having a fluoropolymer matrix containing a functionalized fluoropolymer composition, and reinforced with fibers. The fibers can be chopped fibers, long fibers, or a mixture thereof, and the fluoropolymer matrix preferably is based on polyvinylidene fluoride. Any type of fibers, sized or unsized may be used with the functionalized fluoropolymer matrix composition to form the fluoropolymer composite.

A manufacturing method for an antibacterial fiber includes the following steps. A dipping step is performed to soak a conductive fiber in a solution, in which the solution includes an ionic compound, and the ionic compound includes a metal cation. An oxidation step is performed by using the conductive fiber as an anode, such that an antibacterial material produced by the solution is adhered to a surface of the conductive fiber, in which the antibacterial material includes a metal oxide.

In general, coated fibers, methods of bonding a coating to fibers, and composite materials prepared from coated fibers are provided. The coated fiber is created with a surface that is compatible with and bonds to the polymer resin used in composite materials. In another aspect, the coating may exhibit additional functionality, such as water repellency, fire resistance, or odor control. More specifically an atmospheric pressure plasma process is applied to the fibers to bond coating materials to the fiber surface and to cure the coating surrounding the fiber surface. Optionally, radiation is used in the process to cure the coating. Finally, composite materials and parts may be made from the coated fibers that exhibit high strength and improved mechanical properties over composites made with uncoated fibers. Alternatively, a natural fiber reinforced composite material is made from coated natural fibers that has improved mechanical properties and decreased water absorption.

In general, coated fibers, methods of bonding a coating to fibers, and composite materials prepared from coated fibers are provided. The coated fiber is created with a surface that is compatible with and bonds to the polymer resin used in composite materials. In another aspect, the coating may exhibit additional functionality, such as water repellency, fire resistance, or odor control. More specifically an atmospheric pressure plasma process is applied to the fibers to bond coating materials to the fiber surface and to cure the coating surrounding the fiber surface. Optionally, radiation is used in the process to cure the coating. Finally, composite materials and parts may be made from the coated fibers that exhibit high strength and improved mechanical properties over composites made with uncoated fibers. Alternatively, a natural fiber reinforced composite material is made from coated natural fibers that has improved mechanical properties and decreased water absorption.

Provided is composite carbon fibers in which polymers having an amino containing group are covalently bonded to the surface of the carbon fiber. Aspects are also directed to processes for preparing the composite carbon fibers. Additional aspects are directed to reinforced composites comprising a resin matrix and the composite carbon fibers, and to processes of making such reinforced composites.

Provided is composite carbon fibers in which polymers having an amino containing group are covalently bonded to the surface of the carbon fiber. Aspects are also directed to processes for preparing the composite carbon fibers. Additional aspects are directed to reinforced composites comprising a resin matrix and the composite carbon fibers, and to processes of making such reinforced composites.

The invention relates to fluoropolymer composites having a fluoropolymer matrix containing a functionalized fluoropolymer composition, and reinforced with fibers. The fibers can be chopped fibers, long fibers, or a mixture thereof, and the fluoropolymer matrix preferably is based on polyvinylidene fluoride. Any type of fibers, sized or unsized may be used with the functionalized fluoropolymer matrix composition to form the fluoropolymer composite.

The invention relates to sized reinforcing fibers that comprise a reinforcing fiber sized with a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer is functionalized and/or the reinforcing fiber is sized with a compatible functional non-fluorinated polymer that is compatible with the fluoropolymer. Functionalization of the fluoropolymer or the compatible non-fluorinated polymer provides enhanced properties, such as increased adhesion to the reinforcing fiber.

A treated carbon fiber tensile cord for use in power transmission belts, hose, tires or other reinforced rubber products and the resulting product, which includes carbon fibers which are coated with a polymeric layer deposited and polymerized at atmospheric pressure in a plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition process. A suitable polymeric layer is compatible with the intended matrix which the cord will reinforce. For a rubber belt, the coating is compatible with the rubber composition of the belt body or an adhesion gum or adhesive such as RFL which surrounds the cord. For RFL/rubber systems and cast polyurethane elastomers, a suitable polymer is the APP reaction product of a vinyl carboxylic acid or an ester or amide thereof. Suitable carboxylic acids include acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. Various esters and amides of vinyl carboxylic acid are also suitable, such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, N-isobutoxymethyl acrylamide, and N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide.