The Role of Morphology on Thermal and Electrical Properties of MWCNT-Doped-PVDF Nanocomposites

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) is a semicrystalline polymer highly used in the development of energy storage nanostructure devices, energy harvesting applications and customized sensors for biomedical applications. PVDF is also used in the fabrication of patient-specific sensors, microelectronics, and transducers. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are used to enhance the beta phase in the PVDF matrix. The present work establishes the thermally stable superhydrophobic doping of MWCNT in PVDF nanocomposite membranes in different weight percentages. The nanocomposite membranes are composed of PVDF and COOH treated with MWCNT via a solution mixing process. The carboxyl functionalized MWCNT was prepared to prevent the agglomeration of MWCNT in the PVDF matrix. Thin nanocomposite membranes of PVDF/COOH + MWCNT mixture were formed with the help of spin-coated on the ITO-coated conducting glass substrates. The morphological, thermal, and electrical measurements were performed in various concentrations of MWCNTs in the PVDF matrix. DSC thermograms demonstrate the crystalline behaviour of composite membranes in the beta phase. The optimal concentration of 0.1% of MWCNT in PVDF/COOH nanocomposite membrane showed the highest structural stability, crystallinity, and electrical properties. It was observed that the appropriate addition of COOH functionalized MWCNT in PVDF improved the structural and morphological behaviour of the beta phase of these nanocomposite membranes.