Enhanced thermal and dielectric performance in ternary PVDF/PVP/Co3O4 nanocomposites

The main objective of this research was to prepare high thermal and dielectric performance PVDF/PVP/Co3O4 nanocomposites (PVDF, oply(vinylidene fluoride); PVP, polyvinylpyrrolidone) using the method of solution mixing. The structural properties and thermal stability of the samples were examined through measurements of XRD, SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). From the XRD measurements, the cubic crystal structure of the Co3O4 nanoparticles was revealed with an average size of 17 nm. Also, diffraction peaks of the alpha-phase were seen in PVDF/PVP/Co3O4 nanocomposite spectra. The SEM images for the surface of the films showed a homogeneous distribution of the nanoparticles. The absorption peaks of both alpha- and beta-phases were confirmed by measurements of the FTIR spectra. The nanocomposite films grafted with Co3O4 nanoparticles possess high thermal stability. The dielectric permittivity and energy density of the nanocomposites improved significantly at 4.0 wt% Co3O4. Finally, the increase in Co3O4 content caused an improvement in dielectric response function as well as electrical conductivity. (c) 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.