Reflectance FTIR and SEM characterization of poly[N-vinylcarbazole-co-methylmethacrylate] electrografted carbon fiber surface: current density effect

Abstract

Electrografting of poly [N-vinylcarbazole-co-methylmethacrylate] onto high tenacity carbon fiber (TENAX HTA 5000) was carried out under preparative constant current electrolysis conditions by using anode and cathode as fiber towings. The surface morphology of the electrografted carbon fibers was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR reflectance measurements (FTIR-ATR) were applied for the characterization of chemical composition on the electrografted thin film surface on carbon fiber. The efficiency of the electrocopolymerization on carbon fiber surfaces under preparative constant current electrolysis conditions were evaluated, i.e., current density (charge) vs. thickness, yield and morphology.