The role of nanoparticles inclusion in monitoring the physical properties of PVDF

In this work, the effects of Co_xZn_1-x Fe₂O₄ (x= 0, 0.5, 1) nanofillers on the PVDF polymer were scientifically studied. The structure and magnetic and optical properties were studied. XRD confirms the synthesis of nanofiller in a single phase. FTIR confirms the formation of nanoferrites. HRTEM shows that the prepared nanoferrites have a cubic-like shape. Also, the size and agglomeration increase with Co-Zn Fe₂O₄ nanoferrites compared to the other singles one. The effect of adding nanoferrites into PVDF matrix was studied using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, VSM, and UV-Vis. XRD and FTIR approved the complexation between PVDF polymer and nanoferrites. Also, addition of nanoferrites into PVDF leads to decrease the semi-crystalline nature of PVDF. FESEM showed that embedding nanoferrites into PVDF polymers creates pores and PVDF/Co-Zn Fe₂O₄ increases the pore size on the PVDF surface. The magnetic properties of PVDF were enhanced by adding the nanofiller. For example, saturation magnetization was increased from 269.31E⁻⁶ to 62.052E⁻³ by adding CoFe₂O₄ to PVDF polymer. Band gap calculation showed that PVDF/Co-Zn Fe₂O₄ has the lowest band gap energy which makes it useful in photochemical and electronic applications.