Abstract

Preparation and Characterization of Modified Clay Reinforced Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride) Nanocomposites

Author(s): Zia Ur Rehman and Irum Aziz

Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite films with modified nanoclay have play a role as an effective material having improved electrical, mechanical and dielectric properties compared to PVDF. The interest in PVDF nanocomposites with nanoclay as filler is possess large industrial and biomedical applications. To get PVDF composites films with enhanced electrical, mechanical and dielectric properties. We have used needle shaped clay as reinforcement agents in the present study. For well dispersion of clay in PVDF matrix, the surface of clay was modified with organic moiety having better interaction with PVDF chains. For this purpose, the surface of sepiolite clay was modified with amidoxime by a chemical way. The successful preparation and subsequent grafting of modified clay into the polymer matrix were confirmed by different characterization techniques like FTIR, XRD and SEM. Films of PVDF with amidoxime modified sepiolite clay were prepared in various weight percent loading of the reinforcement. Well crystalized electro-active beta phase of PVDF nanocomposites films were obtained upon loading with modified sepiolite clay. This was confirmed from FTIR, XRD data of the resulting PVDF nanocomposites with modified clay.