Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/clay nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation: Crystallization and dynamic mechanical behavior studies

The preparation and properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/clay nanocomposites are reported for the first time. PVDF/clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation with organophilic clay. The composites were characterized with X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. X-ray diffraction results indicated intercalation of the polymer into the interlayer spacing. PVDF in the nanocomposites crystallized in the a beta form. Differential scanning calorimetry nonisothermal curves showed an increase in the melting and crystallization temperatures along with a decrease in crystallinity, as evidenced by the melting and crystallization peaks. Isothermal crystallization studies showed an enhanced rate of crystallization with the addition of clay, as evidenced by a reduction in the crystallization time. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated significant improvements in the storage modulus over a temperature range of -100 to 150degreesC. The tan delta peak signifying the glass-transition temperature of PVDF shifted to higher temperatures. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.