Mono-"particle" Dispersion of Organo-modified Nanodiamond in Fluoropolymer Matrix of Crystalline Transparent Films of Semifluorinated Polymer / Filler Nanocomposite

Abstract

The poly[vinylidenefluoride-co-(tetrafluoroethylene)] (P(VDF-TeFE)) / organo-modified nanodiamond (organo-ND) composite were prepared by the melt-compounding process using fluorinated crystalline polymer and organo-ND. The structure of the polymer and the structures of dispersed organo-ND particles in the polymer matrix were investigated by using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The crystallization temperature was determined using a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). From the AFM image, the organo-ND disperses in the polymer matrix. These results suggest that organo-ND with hydrocarbon chain can be dispersed in a fluorinated copolymer. From DSC thermograms (first cooling), the crystallization peak of DSC thermograms of the composite appeared at slightly higher temperature than that of the neat P(VDF-TeFE). These results suggest that the polymer crystallizes epitaxially from organo-ND surface.