Ag‐BN hybrid filler prepared by a rapid microwave‐heating method and its effective use for PVDF‐based composite

Abstract In this work, a silver nanoparticle‐boron nitride nanoplate (Ag‐BN) hybrid filler was prepared using an effective microwave‐heating method in only 2 min and utilized as a functional filler for a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)‐based composite. The successful deposition of Ag nanoparticles on BN nanoplates, forming the Ag‐BN hybrid filler, was confirmed through a series of microstructural characterizations of FTIR, WAXD, UV–Vis, SEM, TEM, and EDS mapping. Furthermore, it was found that the incorporation of Ag‐BN hybrid filler into PVDF effectively enhanced the crystallization behaviors, dielectric properties, and thermal conductivities of the resultant Ag‐BN/PVDF composites. For example, the nonisothermal‐crystallization‐peak temperatures, crystallization degrees, contents of the polar β‐ and γ‐form crystallines of PVDF, dielectric constants, dielectric loss tangents, and thermal conductivities of pure PVDF and Ag‐BN1(10 wt.%)/PVDF composite are 136.2 and 143.7°C, 41.37% and 53.41%, 26.0% and 72.6%, 8.2 and 15.0, 0.023 and 0.024, 0.12 and 0.31 W/m·K, respectively. Highlights Ag‐BN hybrid filler was obtained from a rapid microwave‐heating method. Novel Ag‐BN/PVDF composites were prepared using a solution‐blending method. Ag‐BN hybrid filler can effectively induce β crystalline of PVDF. Ag‐BN/PVDF composites have enhanced dielectric property compared to PVDF. Ag‐BN/PVDF composites have enhanced thermal conductivity compared to PVDF.