Abstract

A series of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) loaded with various contents of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanoparticles were prepared via a melt mixing method. Detailed investigations on LDH dispersion state in the polymeric matrix conducted by TEM revealed intercalated/exfoliated, and agglomerated structures at low (1 wt ) and high (>3 wt ) loadings of LDH contents, respectively. Wide angle X-ray scattering and DSC results showed that incorporation of LDH into PVDF-HFP matrix reduced its overall crystallinity and helped to form polar crystallites, while the crystal size at 020 crystallographic directions was found to be most affected by presence and dispersion state of LDH in the matrix. TGA results showed LDH improved thermal stability of matrix however, unlike many other nanomaterials it significantly reduced the residual mass which highlights catalytic role of LDH in degradation of residual carbon char. Detailed analysis on creep and recovery data over wide range of selected temperatures revealed that the creep compliance of nanocomposites are basically controlled by crystallinity and presence of LDH at low and high temperatures, respectively. Based on obtained storage modulus and creep compliance master curves it was also found that the influence of LDH on decreasing the creep compliance and improving viscoelastic properties of PVDF-HFP over long time period and over high frequency ranges becomes more pronounced. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46352.