Preparation and characterization of poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Abstract Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites with different loadings of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were prepared by melt‐compounding technique. A homogeneous dispersion of MWNT throughout PVDF matrix was observed on the cryo‐fractured surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis results indicated that the thermal stability of neat PVDF was improved with the incorporation of MWNT. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed a significant improvement in the storage modulus over a temperature range from −125 to 75°C with the addition of MWNT. The melt‐rheological studies illustrated that incorporating MWNT into PVDF matrix resulted in higher complex viscosities (|η*|), storage modulus ( G ′), loss modulus ( G ″), and lower loss factor (tan δ) than those of neat PVDF. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009