Particle Size Dependence of the Dielectric Properties of Polyvinyledene Fluoride/Silver Composites

The dependence of the dielectric properties of micro- (m-) and nano- (n-) silver (Ag)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composites on the Ag particle size was determined. The magnitude of dielectric constant and conductivity for the PVDF/n-Ag composites was much higher than that of the PVDF/m-Ag composites at the same Ag volume loading. Our results suggest that the percolative behaviors were quite different for the m- and n-systems owing to the Ag particle size effect. The dielectric property depends on the synergistic effects of interfacial area, interparticle distance, and interfacial adhesion, all of which are highly dependent on the Ag particle size. The increased interfacial area, reduced interparticle distance, and improved interfacial adhesion contributed to the better dielectric properties of the PVDF/n-Ag composites.