Incorporation of halloysite nanotubes into PVDF matrix: Nucleation of electroactive phase accompany with significant reinforcement and dimensional stability improvement

Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/halloysite nanotubes (PVDF/HNTs) nanocomposites were prepared via melt compounding. Electroactive β- and γ-phases of PVDF were nucleated by the HNTs due to electrical interaction between negatively charged surface of the HNTs and CH2 groups of the PVDF. The ends and surface defects of the HNTs were also responsible for the formation of γ-phase, since long trans conformations with gauche defects were induced at the two regions via the formation of hydrogen bonding. In addition to nucleation of the electroactive phase, the HNTs were found to reinforce the PVDF matrix and improve its dimensional stability, as evidenced by the substantially increased tensile strength and Young’s modulus, and the remarkably decreased coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The improved tensile property and reduced CTE were attributed to the uniformly dispersed HNTs and good interfacial interaction between HNTs and PVDF matrix via hydrogen bonding.