Silicon carbide-induced piezoelectric b-phase in poly(vinylidene fluoride) and its properties

Abstract

The piezoelectric β-phase of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) has been synthesized through solution route in presence of varying percentage of silicon carbide (SiC). Various measurements were conducted to analyze the effect of SiC addition on structural, mechanical, and dielectric properties, as also the properties affecting hydrophilicity and morphology of PVDF. The x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic and differential scanning calorimetry analyses confirm the presence of β-phase of PVDF on addition of SiC. The Young's modulus of the composites increases as compared with pristine PVDF. The hydrophilic nature of the composites improves with increasing SiC content. Dielectric constant increases in composites, especially at lower frequency range and the relaxation pattern in the crystalline phase changes significantly causing reduction of relaxation frequency with increasing SiC concentration. © 2012 Materials Research Societ.