Nano-clay/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite films as sensor and actuator element

Abstract

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a piezoelectric polymer material. In general, it is necessary to give large stretch to PVDF film when PVDF film is used as sensor or actuator element. However, we recently found that PVDF shows piezoelectricity without large stretch if nano-clays are uniformly dispersed into it. The aim of present study is to investigate the possibilities of nano-clay/PVDF composite film as sensor and actuator element. Firstly, PVDF films and nano-clay/PVDF composite film are fabricated by solvent casting. Also, commercial PVDF film is prepared as comparative material. Secondarily, we investigate the change of electrical displacement according to the input voltage of triangle wave by using Sawyer-tower bridge circuit for PVDF films and nano-clay/PVDF composite film. Then, the change of impedance is also measured at broad frequency by using impedance analyzer. Thirdly, we apply the voltage of sine wave to fabricated films, and measure the output oscillation generated from films. Finally, we discuss the possibilities of nano-clay/PVDF composite film as sensor and actuator element.