Molecular picture of fluoropolymer adsorption on nanocarbon materials

Composites of fluoropolymers (FKMs) and nanocarbon fillers have been considered as sealing materials for hydrogen fuel storage. Here, we structurally and dynamically characterize FKM chains adsorbed onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and carbon black (CB), as prepared by a solvent leaching method. The glass transition temperatures for FKMs adsorbed onto SWCNTs and CB were found to be higher than the bulk value, and their extent was more remarkable for SWCNTs. The discrepancy in FKM mobility between the two fillers was explained in terms of the manner of chain adsorption via the atomic-scale surface roughness, rather than the surface chemistry, of the fillers.