Highly Flexible Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) Nanocomposites Filled with Zirconium (IV) Oxide Nanoparticles and Graphene Nanoplatelets for Smart Electronic Devices

ABSTRACT

In this study, we used solution casting method to fabricate Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexa fluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymer nanocomposites incorporated with different compositions of zirconium (IV) oxide nanoparticles (ZrO₂ NPs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The PVDF-HFP/ZrO₂/GNPs nanocomposites were characterized with the help of various analytical techniques. The results obtained from these techniques evidenced an excellent interaction between the nanofillers and the polymer matrix in the polymer nanocomposites. Further, dielectric studies of the PVDF-HFP/ZrO₂/GNPs nanocomposites were performed at different frequencies and temperatures. Dielectric constant with higher values for the PVDF-HFP/ZrO₂/GNPs nanocomposites (ε = 26964.66, at 50 Hz, at 150°C, feed composition: 75/5/20 wt%) and dielectric loss with lower values (Tanδ = 2.14, at 50 Hz, at 150°C, feed composition: 75/25/0 wt%) were observed for all the PVDF-HFP/ZrO₂/GNPs nanocomposites at high temperature and at low frequency values. The increase in AC conductivity increased with increase in frequency and temperature (maximum value of ${\sigma }_{\mathit{AC}}$ = 1.14 × 10⁻⁵ S/m, feed composition: 75/10/15 wt%). Cole–Cole plots show semi-circular arcs that are consistent with fitted impedance data. Hence, the improved dielectric properties of the PVDF-HFP/ZrO₂/GNPs nanocomposites suggested that these materials are suitable for smart electronic devices.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• GNPs
• PVDF-HFP polymer
• structural and morphological
• thermal and dielectric properties
• ZrO₂ NPs

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

P. Lokanatha Reddy

P. Lokanatha Reddy received M.Sc degree from Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D from the Department of Physics, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India. His research work is based on polymer and its nanocomposites for energy storage applications. He has published 6 articles in peer-reviewed international journals and 2 book chapters with Elsevier, and Springer publishers.

S.K. Khadheer Pasha

Dr. S. K. Khadheer Pasha obtained his M.Sc. degree in Physics from Osmania University, followed by an MPhil degree from Anna University, and PhD degree in physics from the Department of Physics, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore-632014, TN, India. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, VIT-AP University. He has about twelve years of teaching and 16 years of research experience. His research focusses on the synthesis of nanocomposite materials for various applications such as energy storage, gas sensors, EMI shielding etc., Currently, he is guiding 6 Ph.D. students working on different research topics. He has over 85 research publications in peer-reviewed international journals and 14 book chapters to his credit. Besides, he has co-edited three books on the topics “MXene and their Composites : Synthesis, Properties and Potential Applications” for Elsevier, one book on the topic “Functionalized Nanofibers: Synthesis and Industrial Applications” for Elsevier and Nanotechnology Based Additive Manufacturing: Product Design, Properties and Applications” which will be published by Wiley publications. Currently he is editing a book entitled “Gold Nanoparticles, Nanomaterials and Nanocomposites: Science, Technology and Applications for Elsevier.