Polymorphism in intercalated poly(vinylidene fluoride)/clay nanocomposites
Abstract
Polymorphism in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/clay nanocomposites was studied. Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/clay nanocomposites were prepared with melt intercalation. The samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The nanocomposite exhibited the β form. Thermal annealing performed at 125 and 185°C showed that the β form of PVDF was stable. The stability of the β form of PVDF was ascertained from these studies. The β form of PVDF in the nanocomposites could be due to crystallization in the constrained phase. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2036–2040, 2003