Preparation and mechanical properties of fluoropolymer composite containing polyrotaxane and nanocellulose as organic fillers

Abstract Polymer‐based composites containing functional organic fillers with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a matrix were prepared using a simple and short melt‐compounding method, and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Polyrotaxane and nanocellulose were used as functional organic fillers. A PVDF/organic filler composite with improved mechanical hardness was prepared, even when using a fluoropolymer that tends to separate phases from other components. The optimum conditions for improving in Young's modulus were estimated from the composites prepared by varying the organic filler content. As a result, the Young's modulus increased to 1548 MPa, maximum stress approached 50 MPa, and strain elongation was 20% at contents of polyrotaxane:nanocellulose = 0.6 wt%:0.3 wt%. Furthermore, the miscibility of both components was evaluated based on the change in the crystallization temperature of the composite, the PVDF matrix, and each organic filler. The partial miscibility and dispersion of the organic fillers in the fluoropolymer matrix are suggested to be responsible for improving the mechanical properties. Highlights Unique composites containing nanocellulose and polyrotaxane were prepared. Organic fillers were introduced into a phase‐separable fluoropolymer matrix. Mechanical properties were improved by introduction of organic fillers. Nanocellulose seems to adsorb to the polymer chain ends of fluoropolymer. Polyrotaxane showed partial miscibility with fluoropolymer matrix.