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Extrinsic conducting and superconducting polymer systems: 1. Analysis of the structure of PVDF/PS blends containing copper and carbon black fillers

Abstract This paper reports on the obtention of two extrinsic conducting polymer systems by means of copper and carbon black filler incorporation into a polymer system consisting of a poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polystyrene (PVDF/PS) blend. With the aim of analysing the influence exerted by copper and carbon black on the morphology, microstructure and compatibility of the systems under study, the glass transition temperatures as well as isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics were determined for the different systems. The dynamic mechanical and calorimetric results demonstrated on the one hand that carbon black produces partial compatibilization of the PVDF/PS system, while on the other hand they prove both copper and carbon black to be capable of modifying the microstructure and morphology of the initial system.

Extrinsic conducting and superconducting polymer systems—II. Effect of copper and carbon black on the compatibility and the morphology of PVDF/PS blends

Abstract This paper reports on the effects deriving from the presence of conducting fillers (carbon black or copper) on the compatibility of the incompatible polymer system PVDF/PS. To this end the Flory-Huggins polymer-polymer interaction parameter X 1,2 was determined by means of melting point depression analysis in the blend. The results obtained prove either filler to compatibilize the system PVDF/PS up to medium high filler concentrations. For all other cases tested SEM revealed homogenization of the blend.