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The aim of this study was to improve the electrical resistivity, mechanical properties, and interfacial properties between the carbon fiber (CF) and cellulose of conductive paper containing 10% CF so as to better meet the demands for electric heating wood floors. With waterborne polyurethane (WPU) treatment and nitrogen plasma modification methods, the interfacial properties between CF and cellulose were improved dramatically. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) revealed that the plasma modification method reduced the C-H contents and introduced numerous polar groups onto the CF surface. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the CF modified by WPU and plasma had good adhesion with cellulose. The tensile index, tensile energy absorption index, and burst index of the paper were enhanced because of the plasma and WPU coating. The carbon fiber and WPU method presented good synergistic action with respect to mechanical properties and electrical resistivity, and the lowest electrical resistivity of conductive paper was reduced from 0.68 Ω•cm² to 0.44 Ω•cm². [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short carbon fibers (SCF) were modified with oxidation and coupling treatment to improve their water-wettability and bonding properties. Four types of dispersants were studied and discussed. Short carbon fibers/plant fiber (PF) composite papers were prepared by papermaking techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tests to determine zeta potential, absorbance, tensile index, and conductivity were carried out to investigate the modified effect of SCF and the interfacial properties. Modification experimental results showed that the surface grooves were deepened and new superficial grooves were generated by the liquid acid oxidation. The reaction with the silane coupling agent provided higher density and more uniform distribution on the SCF surface than that of organic titanate, and it obviously increased the roughness and the absolute value of zeta potential. After modification, the hydrophilic properties and dispersion in aqueous solutions were improved, the SCFs could form a good mechanical grip with plant fibers, and the conductivity and physical strength of SCF/PF composite papers were enhanced. It was shown that there was obvious adhesive binding at the fiber overlap nodes by the SEM analysis. It was confirmed that the improvement of physical properties of composite paper can be ascribed to the interfacial enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]