Nanoclay-Directed Structure and Morphology in PVDF Electrospun Membranes

Kelarakis, Antonios orcid iconORCID: 0000-0002-8112-5176 and yoon, k (2014) Nanoclay-Directed Structure and Morphology in PVDF Electrospun Membranes. Journal of Nanomaterials, 2014 (367671).

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/367671

Abstract

The incorporation of organically modified Lucentite nanoclay dramatically modifies the structure and morphology of the PVDF electrospun fibers. In a molecular level, the nanoclay preferentially stabilizes the all-trans conformation of the polymer chain, promoting an α to β transformation of the crystalline phase. The piezoelectric properties of the β-phase carry great promise for energy harvest applications. At a larger scale, the nanoclay facilitates the formation of highly uniform, bead-free fibers. Such an effect can be attributed to the enhanced conductivity and viscoelasticity of the PVDF-clay suspension. The homogenous distribution of the directionally aligned nanoclays imparts advanced mechanical properties to the nanofibers.


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