Research progress on the surface modification of carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber (CF) has high strength, high modulus, and excellent high-temperature resistance and chemical stability; therefore, it is used in diverse fields. However, due to the lack of active functional groups on the surface of CF and surface defects generated during the preparation of CF, the wettability of the fiber surface is poor, which seriously affects the interface performance between the fiber and a resin matrix. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the surface modification of CF. In this review, studies on the surface modification of CF are summarized, including the various methods utilized, such as dry modification, wet modification, and nanomodification, as well as their current application status. As interest in this material increases, high-performance CFs will likely play an important role in many fields in the future.