Fabrication and Characterization of Miscible PVDF/PMMA Blend-Based Nanocomposites

Poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF) is a crystalline polymer and possesses remarkable chemical, mechanical and electrical properties. The discovery of its piezo- and pyro-electrical properties had motivated most of the recent studies on it. Five main crystalline forms, termed α, β, γ, δ and ε have been reported for it. The α form crystal is the most common one, and the β form crystal is responsible for the unique electrical properties. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a widely used thermoplastic with an amorphous feature. It is characterized by clear transparency, excellent weatherability, and a useful combination of stiffness and moderate toughness. In spite of possessing many unexcelled properties, PVDF and PMMA show some disadvantages upon certain applications. The two polymers are thus expected to be used as counterparts to prepare functional polymer blends. The PVDF/PMMA blend system was confirmed to show a miscible feature, and exhibited some enhanced properties over its components. Nevertheless, up till now, the studies on PVDF/PMMA blend-based composites were limited, particularly for the nanofillers-filled systems. In this 2-year research project, the PVDF/PMMA blend-based nanocomposites will be prepared. The relation between the nanocomposites’ structure and properties will be characterized, and compared with those of the mother polymer-matrix. In the first year, PVDF/PMMA/RGOa and PVDF/PMMA/GNPb nanocomposites with different loadings of the nanofillers will be prepared and investigated. In the second year, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and organoclays will be served as the nanofillers to prepare PVDF/PMMA blend-based nanocomposites. The MWNT and organoclay will be added to the polymer-blend matrix separately and simultaneously. The studies on the relation among structure-phase morphology-properties of the prepared nanocomposites will be focused, especially the crystal form developed for PVDF (β form?). The way to make an excellent dispersibility of the nanofillers within the polymer matrix will be highlighted. The instruments and equipments that will be employed for this research project include: DSC, TGA, PLM, FESEM/EDS, TEM, WAXD, FTIR, DMA, rheometer, contact angle meter, resistivity meter and internal mixer, etc. a: Reduced Graphene Oxide; b: Graphite Nanoplatelet

Project ID:PB10202-1464
External Project ID:NSC101-2221-E182-017-MY2