Enhancement of Dielectric Properties of PVDF Composites with MWCNT and GCNF Fillers

Chethan P. B.; Ganesh Sanjeev

Abstract

The paper discusses the role of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and graphitized carbon nanofibre (GCNF) in Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites prepared by melt mixing method. Analytical studies were carried out using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for understanding the role of fillers. Formation of β phase crystalline structure with a relative increase in β phase content is observed and is maximum at 5 wt.% of multiwalled carbon nanotube and graphitized carbon nanofibre. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis has revealed modifications in the surface morphology and the microstructure of the composites. The dielectric properties of the PVDF composites were studied from 20 Hz to 10 MHz and the addition of fillers is observed to significantly improve the dielectric properties of PVDF composites. It is established from the AC conductivity measurements that the conduction mechanism in the composites follows the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model.

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