Mechanochemical solid-phase reaction between polyvinylidene fluoride and sodium hydroxide

Grinding a mixture of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and NaOH was conducted by a planetary ball mill at atmospheric condition to investigate mechanoch emical reaction between the two substances. The grinding stimulates the rea ction to form NaF and organic composites. Yield of fluorine converted from PVDF to NaF increases with an increase in grinding time and reaches 90% at 60 min or more. As for the organic phase, oxygen-bearing compounds are form ed due to substitution of fluorine by OH base. The organic compounds are cl assified into water-soluble and insoluble ones, depending on their structur es. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.