Black phosphorus-based polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites: Synthesis, processing and characterization

Abstract

In this study, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposites were produced based on the few-layers Black phosphorus nanosheets (BP) via the liquid exfoliation method, and at different BP nanofiller contents (1, 2.5 and 5 wt%). A masterbatch with 5 wt% of BP was prepared by solution blending followed by melt compounding process to elaborate the different nanocomposites and compression molding to molding all samples. The characterization of the nanocomposites in terms of X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that BP nanosheets were successfully prepared. The nanocomposites were characterized in terms of structural, thermal, electrical, and mechanical performances. The thermal stability of neat PVDF was found increased with 5 wt% of BP nanofillers addition. For the same concentration, the electrical conductivity was sharply increased from 3.3 e−14 to 5 e−11 S/cm. Similarly, Young's modulus value was found increased by 56% as compared to the neat matrix. BP nanofillers appear to be a good alternative to elaborate new polymer nanocomposites with improved performances.