High surface area thermoplastic polymer films fabricated by mechanical tearing using nano-porous silicon

Micro-textured polymer thin films were produced by injecting polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene chlorofluoroethylene (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) thermoplastic polymer into porous silica substrates and applying pressure and heat followed by delamination of the substrates. Mechanical pressure was necessary to cause impregnation of the porous silica with the molten polymer. Following cooling, the adhesion forces between the polymer and the porous silica were greater than the cohesion of the polymer, resulting in tearing and elongation of the plastic fibers upon separation of the chips. The high surface area resulting films, which possess electro active capabilities, can potentially be used for applications requiring high surface area electro active polymer.