Preparation of polyvinylidene fluoride-modified carbon fibers by acidizing and dip coating method for enhancing fluoroelastomer’s mechanical performance

This study developed PVDF-coated carbon fibers (CFs) via acidizing and dip-coating to enhance fluoroelastomer (FKM) composites. Acidization introduced polar groups on CFs, improving interfacial compatibility with the polar FKM matrix, while dip-coating formed a rough PVDF layer, strengthening mechanical riveting. The effect of CF modification and PVDF content on mechanical, thermal, electrical and color properties of FKM composites were systematically studied. The results showed that the FKM/PVDF-2 has excellent mechanical properties, and its tensile strength, modulus at 100% strain and hardness are increased by 104.08%, 276% and 25% respectively. In addition, the FKM/PVDF-2 also showed the best compression performance, and the permanent compression set was 22%. Besides, the PVDF-2 could also increased the electrical and thermal conductivity of the FKM/PVDF-2 composites. In summary, the development of functionalized carbon fibers serves as an innovative reinforcement solution for polymer-based materials while simultaneously expanding the potential applications of high-performance FKM.