PVDF/BaTiO films with nanocellulose impregnation: Investigation of structural, morphological and mechanical properties

Abstract Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite films have witnessed widespread applications in biomedical and flexible electronic devices in recent years. These applications require a material that has enhanced electrical properties, mechanical flexibility along with sufficient strength. A lot of research has been carried out to enhance the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the PVDF composite films. However, the improvements in the mechanical properties of nano filler reinforced PVDF composite films has not received due attention. In this regard, the present work focuses towards enhancing the mechanical strength and load-bearing capability of PVDF, by preparing composites of PVDF films impregnated with Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) and Barium Titanate (BTO) nanoparticles. Solution casting method was adapted to fabricate the PVDF/BTO/CNC films. X-ray diffractograms and FTIR (Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy) corroborate the presence of ferroelectric γ phase in PVDF. Mechanical and viscoelastic measurements have been carried out to examine the influence of CNC and BTO nano fillers in the PVDF matrix. The addition of CNC and BTO in PVDF film has improved the mechanical strength significantly. The stress achieved for PVDF/5% BTO and PVDF/5% BTO with 0.9% of CNC at 5% strain was 17% and 130% higher than the pristine PVDF, respectively. This study can be helpful for the design engineers to meet custom/specific requirements for a myriad of end-user applications such as piezoelectric nanogenerators.