Polyurethane induced high breakdown strength and high energy storage density in polyurethane/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite films

A series of composites blending thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) were prepared in this work to realize a high energy storage density. Low loading of TPU (<3 vol. %) shows a uniform dispersion state in the PVDF matrix. We demonstrate that the incorporation of TPU induces high breakdown strength which results in promoted energy storage performance. In addition, the influence of the different TPU hardnesses (65, 75, and 85) on the breakdown strength of TPU/PVDF composites was also investigated. Finally, a maximum value up to 537.8 MV/m at 3 vol. % TPU with a hardness of 65 was obtained, which led to a high energy density of 10.36 J/cm3.