Abstract
In this study, a graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) was used as a reinforcing filler to prepare poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blend-based nanocomposites through a melt mixing method. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the GNP was mainly distributed within the PVDF matrix phase. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that PVDF and HDPE retained their crystal structure in the blend and composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the addition of GNP enhanced the thermal stability of the blend, which was more evident in a nitrogen environment than in an air environment. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed that GNP facilitated the nucleation of PVDF and HDPE in the composites upon crystallization. The activation energy for non-isothermal crystallization of PVDF increased with increasing GNP loading in the composites. The Avrami n values ranged from 1.9–3.8 for isothermal crystallization of PVDF in different samples. The Young’s and flexural moduli of the blend improved by more than 20% at 2 phr GNP loading in the composites. The measured rheological properties confirmed the formation of a pseudo-network structure of GNP-PVDF in the composites. The electrical resistivity of the blend reduced by three orders at a 3-phr GNP loading. The PVDF/HDPE blend and composites showed interesting application prospects for electromechanical devices and capacitors.
Highlights
In the past two decades, special attention has been paid to polymeric blend-based nanocomposites, because these systems benefit from the advantages of both blends and nanocomposites [1,2]
The dispersed HDPE phase exhibited a distribution of spherical domain size within the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix phase, and the domain ranged from 8–30 μm
The domain size of HDPE decreased after the addition of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP), and the size further decreased with increasing GNP loading
Summary
In the past two decades, special attention has been paid to polymeric blend-based nanocomposites, because these systems benefit from the advantages of both blends and nanocomposites [1,2]. Various combinations of polymer matrices and a small amount of nanofillers have been designed to study their potential in improving the chemical and physical properties of neat polymers. The one-dimensional carbon nanotube (CNT) and two-dimensional nanoclays are two of the most studied nanofillers. Reviews on CNT-based polymer nanocomposites have been updated [3,4,5,6]. Graphene and its derivatives have been recognized as appropriate nanofillers in fabricating polymer nanocomposites to improve the properties of parent polymers [7,8,9,10]. Similar to CNT-based nanocomposites, the interfacial adhesion between graphene-polymers and the dispersion of graphene throughout the polymers are the key factors in achieving nanocomposites with an advanced performance [6]. Dispersion and distribution of the fillers are strongly affected by the melt-mixing methods
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