Crystallization behavior of nano-composite based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) and organically modified layered titanate

To understand the effect of the nano-filler particles on the crystallization kinetics and crystalline structure of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) upon nano-composite formation, we have prepared PVDF/ organically modified layered titanate nano-composite via melt intercalation technique. The layer titanate (HTO) is a new nano-filler having highly surface charge density compared with conventional layered silicates. The detailed crystallization behavior and its kinetics including the conformational changes of the PVDF chain segment during crystallization of neat PVDF and HTO-based nano-composite (PVDF/HTO) have been investigated by using differential scanning calorimetric, wide-angle X-ray diffraction. light scattering, and infrared spectroscopic analyses. The neat PVDF predominantly formed alpha-phase in the crystallization temperature range of 110-150 degrees C. On the other hand, PVDF/HTO exhibited mainly a-phase crystal coexisting with alpha- and beta-phases at low T-c range (110-135 degrees C). A major gamma-phase crystal coexists with beta- and alpha-phases appeared at high T-c (=140-150 degrees C), owing to the dispersed layer titanate particles as a nucleating agent. The overall crystallization rate and crystalline structure of pure PVDF were strongly influenced in the presence of layered titanate particles. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.