Surface Modification and Vapor-Induced Response of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)/Carbon Black Composite Conductive Thin Films

Abstract

A novel polymer sensing film was prepared by filling carbon blacks (CBs) into alkali-treated poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrices under ultrasonication. The microstructure, thermoproperties and crystalline behavior were investigated by FTIR, WAXD and DSC. The percolation behavior and vapor-induced response were examined, and the relationship between structure and response was elucidated. The results indicated that the reaction occurred in non-crystal regions, and had no effect on the crystal region and the main chains. The introduction of some functional groups and the aggregate behavior change in the non-crystal regions altered the interaction between polymer and solvent molecules, and further affected vapor response.

Keywords:

• Conducting polymers
• Electrical properties
• Polymer composites
• Surface modification
• Vapor sensing behavior

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work is supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (GK200901003) and Graduate Education Innovation Funds (2010CXB001).

Notes

*χ = ΔH _f /Δ × 100%, where ΔH _f and are the fusion enthalpy of crystalline PVDF and 100% crystalline PVDF samples ()^{[ 13 ]}, respectively.