Preparation and characterization of (POSS/TiO2)n multi-coatings based on PBO fiber surface for improvement of UV resistance

The application of poly (p-phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fiber as reinforcement in composite material was restricted by its photo-degradation, therefore, some measures should be considered to protect PBO fiber against UV aging. In this study, A series of multilayer coating for (POSS/TiO2)(n) was prepared on PBO fiber surface via LbL assembly technique for enhancement of UV resistance. TiO2 as UV absorbing material was used to relieve UV-degradation of PBO. Surface elemental composition, surface morphology, mechanical and interfacial properties, and UV resistance of uncoated and coated PBO fibers were investigated. These experimental results show multilayer coating of (POSS/TiO2)(n) was uniform deposition on fiber surface after treatment, tensile strength decreased to certain extent, interfacial shear strength increased in a small range and UV resistance is obvious enhanced. After the same accelerated aging time under UV irradiation, the retention of tensile strength and intrinsic viscosity of coated PBO fibers were much better than that of untreated PBO fibers.