Structures and physical properties of carbon nanotube reinforced PVDF composites

Abstract

Semicrystalline Poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF)/Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) blends were melt compounded in an internal mixer. The relationships between structures and physical properties of PVDF/MWNT blends were studied. With increasing the content of MWNT, the apparent supercooling required for PVDF crystallization and the size of spherulites in PVDF were decreased. MWNT can be used as a nucleating agent. In the crystalline structures, the incorporation of MWNT produced a polar beta-form crystal of PVDF. The permittivity of PVDF/MWNT blends was increased with increasing the MWNT content. The critical conductivity saturation point for the electrical conductivity in PVDF/MWNT blends was confirmed. Similar tendency was also observed in thermal conductivity.