Piezoelectric PVDF‐TrFE nanocomposite mats filled with BaTiO<sub>3</sub> nanofibers: The effect of poling conditions
Journal
Polymers for Advanced Technologies
Date Issued
2024-02
Author(s)
Stojchevska, Ema
Zanoni, Michele
Gasperini, Leonardo
Selleri, Giacomo
Fabiani, Davide
Gualandi, Chiara
Bužarovska, Aleksandra
DOI
10.1002/pat.6333
Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>BaTiO<jats:sub>3</jats:sub> nanofibers (BT NFs), prepared by electrospinning, were used as a filler for electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride‐<jats:italic>co</jats:italic>‐trifluoroethylene) (PVDF‐TrFE) nanocomposite mats. The phase structure and the effect of poling conditions on the piezoelectric properties of PVDF‐TrFE/BT nanocomposites were investigated. The results showed an improved degree of crystallinity (78.6%) and a high <jats:italic>β</jats:italic>‐crystal phase (up to 98.3%) in all electrospun samples, independent of the nanofiber content. The two‐step poling method, applying electric fields of opposite polarity, led to significantly improved piezoelectric constants d<jats:sub>33</jats:sub> (−31.7 pC N<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup>), strongly dependent on the added BaTiO<jats:sub>3</jats:sub> nanofibers. The inclusion of piezoelectric ceramic nanofibers into a polymer matrix, easily carried out by means of electrospinning, followed by an ad hoc optimized poling treatment, allowed to develop flexible materials with enhanced piezoelectric properties, potentially exploitable in innovative conversion systems used in wearable and sensing devices.</jats:p>