Gold-Nanoparticle- and Gold-Nanoshell-Induced Polymorphism in Poly(vinylidene fluoride)
(178–184)Macromolecular Materials and Engineering 296 #2 (2011)
Wang et al of the University of Houston, Texas prepared PVDF nanocomposites are prepared through solution mixing of Au-NPs or Au-NSs with PVDF.  XRD, and DSC shows a polymorphism change from α- to β-form compared to PVDF prepared under the same conditions.  Thermogravimetric analysis shows that both nanocomposites have better resistance toward thermal degradation. Combination of novel optical properties of Au-NPs or Au-NSs with induced ferroelectric-active β-polymorph in PVDF can lead to new design of optical, piezoelectric devices. (RDC 2/24/2011)