Molecular weight as a key for electroactive phase formation in poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Abstract

Outstanding electroactive properties of certain crystallographic phases of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) bring much attention to its melting and crystallisation behaviour for tailoring crystallographic nature. In the past, the focus was put on operating conditions in terms of melting and crystallisation kinetics, whereas a deeper understanding of the molecular structure–property relationship of PVDF is sparsely addressed. This study is the first survey to investigate systematically the structure–property relationship by clarifying the question, how molecular weight distribution affects thermal–caloric properties and hence polymorphous phase behaviour. It is shown that molecular weight strongly influences electroactive phase formation and plays a key role in phase design. IMPACT STATEMENT: This work provides new insights in molecular weight induced electroactive phase formation in poly(vinylidene fluoride).