Boston ivy-like clinging of dendritic polytetrafluoroethylene nano-ribbons to the surface of carbon fiber

Dendritic PTFE nano-ribbons as peculiar interphases between carbon fibers and PTFE matrix are observed on the fractured surface of CF/PTFE composite, which are about dozens of micrometers in length and not more than 200 nm in width. In the meantime, the dendritic PTFE ribbons have some short talons. This makes it feasible for PTFE ribbons to be firmly clung to carbon fiber surface in a Boston ivy-like manner. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.