Abstract
Single layer graphite, popularly known as graphene, has attracted much scientific interest in recent years due to its outstanding mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Recent research confirms graphene is ideal as a nano filler to improve physical and chemical properties of polymers. In this study, we aim to understand the structural and morphological properties and their modifications occurring during nanocomposite fabrication. Polyvinylidene fluoride/reduced Graphene Oxide (PVDF/rGO) based polymer nanocomposites were prepared by adding various concentrations (2% and 5%) of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into the PVDF polymer matrix. At first the liquid phase of the polymer composite was prepared using bath sonication process, then it was converted to film by annealing at 120oC for 2 hrs. Annealing converts the polymer matrix into β-phase. Several characterizations such as XRD, FT-IR, FESEM and EDS have been employed to confirm the enhancement of β-phase in PVDF by addition of rGO in the synthesized samples. The signature peaks in FT-IR confirm the transition of phase of PVDF from γ to β. FESEM analysis displays some pinhole formation on addition of rGO, which may be an interesting feature to explore. Elemental mapping by EDS shows approximately an equal distribution of elements in the polymer composites.
doi: 10.17756/nwj.2022-s1-013
Citation: Kumari P, Sharma V, Sharma AP, Misra KP, Kabi S, et al. 2022 Structural and Morphological Properties of Polyvinylidene Fluoride/reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites. NanoWorld J 8(S1): S64-S68.