CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYVINYLIDENE FLUORIDE (PVDF)-DOUBLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES (DWNT)

ABSTRACT In this work, we propose a new generation of sensors and actuators based on a piezoelectric polymer (PVDF) with embedded carbon nanotubes. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-double walled carbon-nanotubes (DWNT) composite films are prepared with the goal to develop new polymeric materials with enhanced electrical and electromechanical properties. Electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of polyvinylidene fluoride-double-walled carbon nanotubes composites are investigated as a function of frequency (10 Hz -1 MHz), and as a function of weight fraction (0.01-2 wt%). DWNT and PVDF are mixed under mechanical stirring and sonication. The dispersion is assessed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), indicating a good dispersion. Differential Scanning Calorimetery (DSC) is used to study the effect of DWNTs inclusions on the glass transition temperature, T g , and the crystallinity of the resulting PVDF composite. The percolation threshold is computed by using the bulk conductivity data and it is found that percolation occurs at about 0.19wt%