Crystal phase transformation of α into β phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) via particle formation caused by rapid expansion of supercritical solutions

Abstract

This contribution reports on the impact of the rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS) on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) properties in terms of particle size, molar mass distribution, crystal phase and finally piezoelectric behavior. Based on the usage of α phase PVDF powders, submicron particles were obtained involving crystal phase conversion to the β form. Moreover, state of the art piezoresponse force microscopy analysis verifies the formation of piezoelectric PVDF particles via RESS.