Making PVdF-HFP copolymer pellets into a powder

[pkoripella]

Hello,

I am an intern so I do not know too much about polymer engineering. However I am constructing a gel polymer electrolyte, and in order to do that I need to dissolve some PVdF-HFP into a solution of acetone and ethanol to form a gel like substance. The molecular weight of this polymer is around 400,000 g/mol. My issue is that the PVdF-HFP that I ordered is in pellet form and will not dissolve into the solution. How can I make these pellets into a powder? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[btrueblood]

see:

http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~adupasqu/_private/Papers ADP/phase inversion.pdf

Specifically page 4.

Start by dissolving in acetone only, the alcohol is added after solution to form a porous film. They suggest a "lab blender", but any mechanical device that can shred, grind, mutilate, etc. oughta do it. Even elbow grease and a mortar and pestle.

 

[patprimmer]

If the polymer is to tough to pulverise at room temperature, try freezing it before hitting it.

In extreme cases with very soft tough polymers, liquid nitrogen is used to make them brittle.

Having said that, I agree with bt that it will dissolve better in acetone. The large pellets should dissolve with time and gentle occasional agitation removing the need to pulverise.

Regards
Pat
See FAQ731-376 for tips on use of eng-tips by professional engineers &

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm

for site rules

 

[pkoripella]

Thanks guys! I will try dissolving it in acetone first and if that doesn't work i'll try the liquid nitrogen idea.