LAUSR

The interface, as the weakest point of a polymer composite, determines the comprehensive performance, especially in a polarity/nonpolarity system featuring poor interfacial adhesion. Here, we report an interfacial manipulation strategy to trigger the preferential adsorption of amide-based self-assembling compounds (NAs) from polypropylene (PP) melts onto the surface of natural fiber (NF) as a result of hydrogen bonding and then promote the epitaxial growth, into root-like NF fiber with interfacial interlocking effects. The unique interface constructed by the grown NA fibers rendered the PP/NF composite with strong interfacial adhesion. The substantial increases of 64.4%, 77.9%, and 94.4% in interfacial shear strength, interfacial friction, and debonding energy are achieved, respectively, in comparison to conventional NF/PP composite. Finally, the working principle of the laterally grown NA fibers on the interfacial enhancement was established based on the fracture morphology after the microbond test. This...