Improving beta phase of spin coated PVDF thin films by doping with silver nanoparticles

Abstract

This research deals with the effect of process parameters of spin coating such as spinning speed, weight composition of silver nanoparticles (AgNP), and annealing duration on the phase change of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin films. FTIR spectroscopy along with XRD confirmed the transformation of α to β-phase in the PVDF thin films. The spin coated films exhibited higher β-fraction than that of the pristine PVDF. The β-fraction in the thin films was mainly influenced by the addition of AgNP. The DSC results showed decrease in crystallinity from 63.74 to 53.21% with increase in spinning speed from 1000 to 3000 rpm due to the over-stretching of crystalline lamellae.

Keywords:

• PVDF/AgNP thin films
• spin coating
• β-fraction
• crystallinity

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Interdisciplinary Research Centre, RV college of Engineering, Bengaluru, India for supporting us with the characterization facilities.