Recent Progress on Bio‐Based Interphase Engineering of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) have garnered widespread attention due to their exceptional mechanical properties, with interfacial bonding quality being pivotal in determining both their mechanical performance and service reliability. Traditional interface modification techniques suffer from drawbacks such as high energy consumption and environmental pollution, failing to meet the demands of sustainable development. Bioinspired and bio‐based interface engineering offers innovative solutions to these challenges. This paper systematically reviews the application progress of various bio‐based materials in CFRP interface engineering, categorizing them by chemical structure and interaction mechanisms into catechol/phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, proteins, and plant‐derived polyphenols/organic acids. It elaborates on the structural characteristics and interfacial mechanisms of these materials, including covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, π‐π stacking, and metal chelation. Additionally, the study examines four core construction strategies: surface coating/impregnation, biomimetic mineralization and metal–organic networks, covalent grafting and layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly, and matrix mediated compatibilization, detailing their technical features and application outcomes. The research demonstrates that bio‐based modifications enhance mechanical properties while integrating multifunctionality, including flame retardancy, corrosion resistance, and self‐healing. Sustainability is achieved through renewable feedstocks, low‐energy processing, and biodegradability. Finally, current challenges regarding cost, scalability, long‐term durability, and interfacial mechanisms are identified. Future directions emphasize material innovation, process optimization, mechanistic elucidation, and circular economy strategies, offering insights for advancing eco‐friendly, high‐performance CFRP.