Enhancing flexibility and adhesion of PVDF coatings on PVC textiles via PVDF/PMMA/plasticizer blends

Abstract

This study investigated improving the flexibility and adhesion of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coatings on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) textiles by blending PVDF with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and adding plasticizers. Because PVDF is inherently stiff, blends were prepared with 10 wt%, 30 wt%, and 50 wt% PMMA. Four plasticizers—di(propylene glycol) dibenzoate (P2), dibutyl phthalate (P3), di(ethylene glycol) dibenzoate (P4), and benzyl butyl phthalate (P5)—were also incorporated into 10 wt% PMMA blends. Thin films and coatings were produced via solution casting and dip-coating, then characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A 10 wt% PMMA concentration improved adhesion and raised crystallinity (46.95% versus 30.87% for pure PVDF), while higher PMMA resulted in amorphous structures. Plasticizers lowered melting temperatures by up to 12°C and glass transition temperatures by up to 81.4°C (for P3), increasing flexibility. SEM revealed that plasticizers P3 and P4 generated uniform, nonporous morphologies, making them promising for UV-protective coatings. These blends maintained strong adhesion to PVC and demonstrated good mechanical performance. Further studies on UV stability are advised to confirm their long-term durability. DSC indicated increased thermal stability in PVDF/PMMA blends, while DMA confirmed enhanced mechanical integrity and material performance.