Dielectric and Structural Properties of the Hybrid Material Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Bacterial Nanocellulose-Based Composite

Abstract

In the search for environmentally friendly materials with a wide range of properties, polymer composites have emerged as a promising alternative due to their multifunctional properties. This study focuses on the synthesis of composite materials consisting of four components: bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) modified with magnetic Fe3O4, and a mixture of BaTiO3 (BT) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The BT powder was mechanically activated prior to mixing with PVDF. The influence of BT mechanical activation and BNC with magnetic particles on the PVDF matrix was investigated. The obtained composite films’ structural characteristics, morphology, and dielectric properties are presented. This research provides insights into the relationship between mechanical activation of the filler and structural and dielectric properties in the PVDF/BT/BNC/Fe3O4 system, creating the way for the development of materials with a wide range of diverse properties that support the concept of green technologies.

Structural, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of the Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Bacterial Nanocellulose-Based Hybrid Composite

“…The compatibility of all layers in composite films is of paramount importance, as it directly affects the permeability of water vapor and other gases. In the previous research, detailed cross-sections of all samples were presented to gain insight into the achieved contact between layers [ 16 ]. To provide a comprehensive view and microscopic insight into the samples, the current study introduces SEM-EDS imaging of the surface appearance.…”

“…BNC was synthesized via a K. rhaeticus bacterial species that was isolated from a kombucha beverage [ 29 ]. Hydrogels were grown in a yeast extract−peptone−mannitol (YPM) broth at 25 °C for 7 days [ 16 ]. Afterwards, hydrogels were purified in 0.1 M NaOH at 90 °C for 2 h to remove the remaining cells and broth.…”

“…We kept the thickness of the films constant. The overall thickness of the layered composites were (0.22 ± 0.01) mm, while individual BNC/Fe 3 O 4 layers were (0.9 ± 0.01) mm, and PVDF/BT layers had a thickness of (0.13 ± 0.01) mm [ 16 ]. Figure 1 provides a graphical depiction of the synthesis process for obtaining composite films.…”

“…In the authors’ previous research, the latest and some of the most intriguing fillers were assessed for combining with PVDF [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. It was found that an increase in cellulose content in polymer matrices noticeably improves the tensile strength of composite membranes [ 17 , 18 ].…”

“…In the present research, the PVDF/BT was synthesized with a variety of times for the mechanical activation of BT with added BNC, previously modified with Fe 3 O 4 , to produce PVDF/BT/BNC/Fe 3 O 4 composites. The purest source of cellulose fibers was introduced without the use of heavy chemicals, as well as without the use of DMF, as the composite was synthesized using the hot press method [ 16 ].…”