Ternary systems based on PVDF, BaTiO3 and MWCNTs: Fabrication, characterization, electromagnetic simulation

Abstract

In this work, ternary bulk systems based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), synthesised barium titanate (BaTiO3, BT) nanopowder and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated by film stacking technique, starting from solvent cast films. The main purpose was to investigate the influence of BT and MWCNTs addition to the polymeric matrix on its microstructural and dielectrical properties. In order to achieve it, different BT concentrations, ranging between the 60 and 75 %wt, were tested, whereas a MWCNTs content of 2 %wt was maintained constant. The morphology was studied by observation at scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the microstructure and crystalline phases investigated by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and the electromagnetic properties measured in the microwave region (8-12 GHz). The electromagnetic response of the investigated bulk systems was also simulated as function of the sample thickness.