Formation of Co-Grown Crystalline Domains in PVDF/PBS Films for High Oxygen Barrier Performance

Currently, limited research exists on the utilization of polymers with ordered structures for the preparation of polymer barrier materials as well as the mechanisms by which these ordered structures enhance barrier properties. This study successfully prepared a blended film of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) via solution casting, in which the formation of synergistic crystalline domains imparted the material with excellent oxygen barrier properties. In addition, the mechanisms underpinning the enhanced oxygen barrier properties were systematically elucidated. Specifically, high-temperature solution blending disrupts the inherent hydrogen bonds within the polymers, leading to the disentangling and reorganization of the molecular chains into fragments with higher binding energy. This process promotes the formation of more ordered crystalline domains with improved crystallinity, reduces the free volume in the material, and significantly enhances the oxygen barrier properties. This study establishes the modulation of crystallization behavior as an effective strategy to enhance gas barrier properties, thereby offering a novel approach to the design of high-performance polymer blend films.