Highly Flexible Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) Nanocomposites Filled with Zirconium (IV) Oxide Nanoparticles and Graphene Nanoplatelets for Smart Electronic Devices

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, we used solution casting method to fabricate Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexa fluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymer nanocomposites incorporated with different compositions of zirconium (IV) oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The PVDF-HFP/ZrO2/GNPs nanocomposites were characterized with the help of various analytical techniques. The results obtained from these techniques evidenced an excellent interaction between the nanofillers and the polymer matrix in the polymer nanocomposites. Further, dielectric studies of the PVDF-HFP/ZrO2/GNPs nanocomposites were performed at different frequencies and temperatures. Dielectric constant with higher values for the PVDF-HFP/ZrO2/GNPs nanocomposites (ε = 26964.66, at 50 Hz, at 150°C, feed composition: 75/5/20 wt%) and dielectric loss with lower values (Tanδ = 2.14, at 50 Hz, at 150°C, feed composition: 75/25/0 wt%) were observed for all the PVDF-HFP/ZrO2/GNPs nanocomposites at high temperature and at low frequency values. The increase in AC conductivity increased with increase in frequency and temperature (maximum value of σ AC = 1.14 × 10−5 S/m, feed composition: 75/10/15 wt%). Cole–Cole plots show semi-circular arcs that are consistent with fitted impedance data. Hence, the improved dielectric properties of the PVDF-HFP/ZrO2/GNPs nanocomposites suggested that these materials are suitable for smart electronic devices.