Leveraging Shape Memory Coupled Piezoelectric Properties in Melt Extruded Composite Filament Based on Polyvinylidene Fluoride and Polyurethane

Abstract

AbstractMultifunctional piezoelectric nanocomposites are promising in terms of strain sensors and actuators having ability to switch their dimensional states in a programmed temperature depending on their chemical compositions. In this research work, the effect of immiscible blends of polyurethane and polyvinylidene fluoride to induce polar β‐phase in the melt extruded composite filament and the effect of reduced graphene oxide (r‐GO) in combined properties of piezoelectricity and shape memory behavior are studied with the aid of different characterization techniques. The thermal analysis by differential scanning calorimetry also reiterates the similar behavior of crystalline phases in melting transitions and compatibilization effect of r‐GO is well supported by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, some of these filaments possess promising shape memory behavior with recovery ratios up to 100%. One of the nanocomposite filament‐based energy harvesters generates average open circuit maximum voltage of ≈349 mV. These types of melt extruded nanocomposite filament‐based energy harvesters are promising in terms of miniaturized power sources fitting into different conformed surfaces having varied contours.