Investigation of the Effect of Nanosilica on Rheological, Thermal, Mechanical, Structural, and Piezoelectric Properties of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanofibers Fabricated Using an Electrospinning Technique

Abstract

The effects of different nano-SiO2 contents on the rheological properties of poly­(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) solution and mechanical, thermal, structural, and piezoelectric properties of composite nanofibers were investigated. Results showed an increase in fiber diameter (∼125 to 350 nm) and ∼450% increase in tensile strength as the content of nano-SiO2 particles increased. The degree of crystallinity decreased by 19% as the nano-SiO2 content increased by 2% (w/w). Further investigation demonstrated that silica could significantly improve the piezoelectric properties of PVDF nanofibers as the output voltage showed an increase in the presence of silica attributed to change in the crystalline structure of PVDF.

A Review of Piezoelectric PVDF Film by Electrospinning and Its Applications

“…From the strain–stress curve, we look for necking and failure, as well as elongation. The average diameter of nanofibers and the presence of other additives have a significant effect on tensile properties [ 63 , 64 ]. It was reported that smaller diameter fibers contribute to improved mechanical properties.…”

“…Thus, the effect of electrospinning parameters and the addition of nanofillers on the morphology of PVDF membranes is to be studied to improve the piezoelectricity of nanofilms. According to literature, reduced fiber diameter increased porosity, and absence of agglomerates are desirable to fabricate suitable samples [ 59 , 63 ].…”

“…A digital oscilloscope, electrometer, and low noise preamplifier are commonly used to measure output voltages of PVDF films for sensing or energy harvesting applications [ 61 ]. Since β-phase is the most electroactive phase, samples synthesized with the electrospinning technique show higher voltage measurements [ 63 ].…”

“…Haddadi et al demonstrated the effect of the SiO 2 nanoparticle loading of PVDF nanofibers [ 63 ]. SiO 2 with the 20–30 nm particle size at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 % ( w / w ) concentrations were first dispersed in DMF solvent using high power probe sonication, and then PVDF pallets were added.…”

Sustained release of CIP from TiO2‐PVDF/starch nanocomposite mats with potential application in wound dressing

“…The bands at 1707 and 1622 cm −1 implies to stretching vibrations of the carbonyl group of carboxylic acid and ketone of CIP, respectively. The peaks at 1444 cm −1 , 1271 cm −1 , and 1045 cm −1 are due to C─H bending, C─C─C of ketone, and C─F, respectively . The FTIR spectrum of TiO 2 /CIP reveals the thorough loading of substitutions since all the mentioned peaks of CIP and TiO 2 NPs are extant.…”