The effects of nanofillers, stretching and recrystallization on microstructure, phase transformation and dielectric properties in PVDF nanocomposites

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) possesses many special physical properties, including high dielectric properties, which are highly dependent on its unique crystalline/phase structures. PVDF nanocomposites are expected to have more attractive performances for broader applications; however, the PVDF structures in the nanocomposites are affected by the nanofillers, and employing mechanical stretching or heating processes can cause recrystallization. In this study, we investigated the effects of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) on microstructure, phase transformation, and electric/dielectric in response to the mechanical stretching and followed by isothermal recrystallization. Results revealed that the phase behaviors and microstructure changes of the nanocomposites impact various properties including melting temperature, dielectric properties, etc. and therefore could impact their applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.