Surface Modification of SiCw Optimises Impact Resistance of Dual-Polymer Composites

Addressing the performance degradation bottleneck of conventional impact-resistant materials under complex operating conditions, and the limitation of existing research focusing primarily on enhancing single properties while neglecting material equilibrium, this study employs silicon carbide whiskers (SiCw) as the reinforcing phase. Through surface modification techniques, SiCw/celluloid and SiCw/polyimide dual-polymer composite systems were constructed and systematically investigated. Surface modification of SiCw was achieved using titanate and silane coupling agents. Through mechanical testing and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterisation, the effects of SiCw loading and modification treatments on composite mechanical properties and interfacial bonding were analysed. Results indicate that SiCw introduction significantly enhances the tensile, flexural, and impact strength of the polymer matrix, with optimal addition ratios identified: 6% for the celluloid system and 1.0% for the polyimide system. Surface modification further optimises toughening effects by reducing surface oxide layers and impurities on SiCw particles while strengthening interfacial bonding. This study provides practical guidance for the system design of high-performance impact-resistant composites. The resulting materials hold broad application prospects in sectors demanding high structural impact resistance, such as aerospace and transportation.