Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) doped with a few percentage of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate induces transition into the ferroelectric beta-phase. Infrared spectra show peaks indicative of beta-phase PVDF at 1277 cm-1 and loss of the a-phase peak at 790 cm-1 while polarization measurements show loops consistent with relaxor ferroelectric behavior. Electronic spectroscopy shows that the Co2+ ion is in a six-coordinate environment, and this is confirmed by magnetic susceptibility. Thermal measurements show that the PVDF melts near 155 degrees C, depending on the Co2+ content, and that there are several other thermal features that are associated with the hydrated cobalt nitrate. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012