Phase transformation to β‐poly(vinylidene fluoride) by milling

Abstract Cryogenic mechanical milling successfully converted α‐phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) powder into β‐phase PVDF, as measured by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The presence of β‐phase PVDF became more pronounced with increased milling times over the limited time range evaluated. This was the first recorded instance of β‐phase powders forming from the α phase through milling. These β‐phase powders maintained their crystal structure during compression molding at 70 °C. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 91–97, 2004