Preparation and characterization of polyurethane/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites and evaluation as polymer electrolytes

Polymer composites (PU/PVdF) comprised of polyurethane (PU) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) were prepared. Polymer electrolytes were prepared with different amounts of lithium perchlorate loading. Differential scanning calorimetry and impedance spectroscopy were used to monitor the changes in the thermal characteristics and bulk conductivity of PU/PVdF composites, respectively. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy was employed to identify the modifications in molecular interactions associated with PU and PVdF. The bulk conductivity of PU/PVdF composites with different PVdF content was determined and the influence of PVdF on that was brought out. PU/PVdF composites possess sufficient electrochemical and thermal stability. A laminated cell was constructed and the performance of PU/PVdF composite was assessed.