Nanocomposites of polyvinylidene fluoride copolymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes prepared by electrospinning method

Abstract

Electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENM) have been utilized in varied applications like filters, sensors, scaffolds for tissue engineering, electronics and so on. In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) copolymer nanofiber was reinforced with functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNT) via electrospinning method with N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as the solvent. To ensure the dispersion of f-MWCNT in polymer solution, it was sonicated prior to addition of PVDF copolymer into the dispersion. The results showed that tensile strength and elongation at break increased by 9 % and 79 %, respectively, with the addition of f-MWCNT, when compared to pure PVDF copolymer nanofiber web. Incorporated f-MWCNT into PVDF copolymer nanofiber also resulted in an increase in the average nanofiber diameter from 312 nm to 445 nm but decrease the hydrophobicity. FTIR spectra and XRD pattern confirmed the increase of PVDF β-phase structure as the results of electrospinning process and addition of MWCNT.