Vitrimer-based carbon fiber composites demonstrate significant recovery of compression-after-impact performance following thermal healing, with AAV and MAV epoxy systems regaining ~90% and ~62% of pristine strength, respectively. 3D-DIC and micro-CT analyses reveal restored stiffness, delayed buckling, and reduced interlaminar damage, highlighting vitrimers as a promising pathway for repairable and durable structural composites.

This study investigates flame, chemical, and plasma surface treatments to enhance paint adhesion on carbon fiber–reinforced PEKK composites by modifying surface chemistry, energy, and morphology. Plasma treatment produced the highest polar surface energy, reduced surface crystallinity, and superior coating adhesion, outperforming flame and chemical methods as confirmed by XPS, wettability analysis, XRD, and ASTM D3359 tests.