Spinnability and Characteristics of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)-based Bicomponent Fibers with a Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Modified Polypropylene Core for Piezoelectric Applications

Abstract

This research explains the melt spinning of bicomponent fibers, consisting of a conductive polypropylene (PP) core and a piezoelectric sheath (polyvinylidene fluoride). Previously analyzed piezoelectric capabilities of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are to be exploited in sensor filaments. The PP compound contains a 10 wt % carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and 2 wt % sodium stearate (NaSt). The sodium stearate is added to lower the viscosity of the melt. The compound constitutes the fiber core that is conductive due to a percolation CNT network. The PVDF sheath’s piezoelectric effect is based on the formation of an all-trans conformation β phase, caused by draw-winding of the fibers. The core and sheath materials, as well as the bicomponent fibers, are characterized through different analytical methods. These include wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) to analyze crucial parameters for the development of a crystalline β phase. The distribution of CNTs in the polymer matrix, which affects the conductivity of the core, was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal characterization is carried out by conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Optical microscopy is used to determine the fibers’ diameter regularity (core and sheath). The materials’ viscosity is determined by rheometry. Eventually, an LCR tester is used to determine the core’s specific resistance.

Durable, efficient, and flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator from electrospun PANi/HNT/PVDF blend nanocomposite

“…To further improve the piezoelectric output various nanofillers such as clay , carbon nanotube , graphene , ZnO , BaTiO 3 , and PZT have been added to PVDF. These nanofillers either enhance the piezoelectric output or improve the β‐phase content of PVDF.…”

Investigation of perfluorinated proton exchange membranes prepared via a facile strategy of chemically combining poly(vinylphosphonic acid) with PVDF by means of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) grafts

“…Figure 10 represents the XRD pattern of original PVDF, PVDF-g-PGMA, and PVDF-g-PGMA-g- PVPA(x) membranes. PVDF is a polymorphic, semicrystalline polymer which are primarily four kinds of crystal structures such as α, β, γ, δ, wherein α type and β type are the main crystal structures of PVDF [18,[61][62][63]. The peak obtained at around 2θ=18.7°, 20.0°, and 26.4°reflect α-crystal structure which can be indexed α (020), α (110) and α (021) for pure PVDF.…”

Polypropylene Production Optimization in Fluidized Bed Catalytic Reactor (FBCR): Statistical Modeling and Pilot Scale Experimental Validation

“…A number of conventional materials like steel, aluminum wood etc. have also been replaced by polypropylene and its composites since their superior physical and chemical properties such as their light weight, sophisticated structural stability, greater dielectric vitality, better mechanical strength, corrosion resistance capability and flexibility are superior to these traditional materials [5,6]. However, polypropylene and its composites hold only 20% share of the gross world polyolefin production [7] and hence an optimization study on polypropylene production is important from a scientific and economical point of view to enhance its usages and to improve its share of the market.…”