Polymer nanostructures with templates

Abstract

Templating is one of the most effective techniques in synthesizing one-dimensional polymer nanostructures with tailored dimensions. In this study, Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) were selected owing to their remarkable properties. Commercial and fabricated porous Anodic Alumina (AAO) templates were utilized to attain the nanostructures.

The nanostructures were corresponding synthesized by wetting the template with their bulk film and solutions. The ferroelectric properties of the nanostructures were investigated. Direct fabrication of high aspect ratio of AAO on substrate and bulk aluminium (Al) sheet was studied. Pore widening time on the effect of pore diameter, inter-pore distance and pore density were also examined.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs showed that nanotubes and nanorods were formed. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed the phase, α or β the nanostructures retained and also their crystallinity. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) identified that the nanorods had poor crystallinity which have an influence on the hysteresis curves obtained. Fabrication of AAO on substrate failed due to poor quality of the deposited Al film. Nevertheless, AAO generated from the bulk Al sheet displayed pore diameter of 25nm to 43nm with pore widening time from 0min to 30mins.