Current status of interface modification of carbon fiber cement-based composite materials

Carbon fiber reinforced cement composite (CFRCC) is widely used in the fields of construction, infrastructure, and civil engineering due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability. In the context of CFRCC, the interface plays a crucial role as it acts as a bridge connecting the matrix and the reinforcing phase. The performance and structure of the interface directly impact the bond strength of the composite material, thereby influencing its overall macroscopic properties. However, the inherent hydrophobic nature of carbon fibers and their inadequate bonding with aqueous suspensions limit their application in cement and other mineral building materials. To address this issue, researchers have explored physical and chemical modification methods to enhance the transfer of load from the mineral matrix to the carbon fibers. This paper provides an overview of the properties of carbon fibers, CFRCC, and CFRCC interfaces, while also summarizing recent studies by domestic and foreign scholars on CFRCC and its interface modification methods, such as oxidation, electrophoretic deposition, plasma, and grafting treatments, along with discussions on relevant mechanistic analyses. Additionally, it presents characterization methods for studying the properties of carbon fibers themselves and their bonding behavior with cementitious matrices.