Graphene nanocomposites based on poly(vinylidene fluoride): Structure and properties

A nanocomposite of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was prepared with graphene sheets (GSs), which are a novel filler by a solution method. The structure-properties relationships of PVDF/GSs nanocomposites were studied. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction show that addition of GSs to the PVDF matrix promotes an α phase to β phase transformation of the polymer crystal. The nanocomposites exhibit significant increases in dynamic mechanical properties and thermal stability compared to the neat PVDF. In addition, the incorporation of GSs in PVDF indicated excellent optical transparency at the lowest weight fractions of GSs and modified wettability of PVDF. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers