Effect of poly(ethylene glycol) on the dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/BiFeO3/poly(ethylene glycol) composite films for electronic applications

Abstract

In the present work a series of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/BiFeO3/poly(ethylene glycol) composite films were prepared by solvent casting method with poly(vinylidene fluoride) as polymer matrix, bismuth ferrite as ceramic filler and poly(ethylene glycol) as binding agent as well as enhancer. The structural analysis of the composite films by X-ray diffraction confirms that the composites have a distorted rhombohedral structure. The micro-structural analysis shows that the use of poly(ethylene glycol)in the composite films enhances the homogeneity as well as compatibility of BiFeO3 particles within the poly(vinylidene fluoride) matrix. The dielectric and electrical study done by impedance analyzer reveals that with an increase in poly(ethylene glycol) concentration, there is a subsequent increase in dielectric constant as well as AC electrical conductivity. Finally, the ferroelectric behavior of the composite confirms that the ferroelectric properties of the composites are enhanced by the addition of BiFeO3 with an increase in poly(ethylene glycol) concentrations. These preliminary results give an idea for possible applications of this type of composites in the field of electronic applications.