| Abstract: | Results of grafting reactions of a liquid crystalline (lc) monomer onto carbon fiber surfaces are presented and compared with results of noncovalently bonded lc polymer, which is proved reproducible by scanning electron microscopy. Electro‐optical investigations under a polarizing microscope hints of the possibility of changing lc polymer and lc low molecular mass matrix molecules properties by applying a certain voltage to the carbon fibers. Wetting and electrokinetic measurements were performed and correlated with grafting reaction parameters. Those investigations revealed a nearly complete coverage of the carbon fiber surfaces by lc polymers. These measurements are suitable to characterize carbon fibers modified by grafted or coated polymers. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 1893–1904, 1999 |
