Surface modified iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanosheets reinforced PVDF nanocomposites: influence on morphology, thermal and magnetic properties

In this work, iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanosheets are synthesised using the solvothermal method. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation confirms the nanosheets-like morphology of Fe3O4. While X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies of Fe3O4 nanosheets reveal the Fe3O4 nanosheets synthesised are crystalline in nature. Vibration sample magnetometry studies of Fe3O4 nanosheets have shown superparamagnetic behaviour with saturation magnetisation (M-s) value of 29.6 emu/g. The synthesised Fe3O4 nanosheets are dispersed in poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVDF matrix using the solution casting method with slow evaporation of solvent at 60 degrees C which facilitates the formation of beta-form of PVDF crystals. The PVP modified Fe3O4 nanosheets incorporation in the PVDF matrix influences the thermal stability and crystalline behaviour. Scanning electron microscope observation shows the improved dispersion of Fe3O4 nanosheets in the PVDF matrix by modifying Fe3O4 nanosheets with PVP. The M-s value is increased by similar to 122% for PVP modified Fe3O4 nanosheets reinforced PVDF nanocomposites as compared to Fe3O4 nanosheets reinforced PVDF nanocomposites.