Piezoelectricity in 0-3 PZT-PVDF Nano Composites Prepared via a Modified Solution Casting Process

Abstract

0-3 nanocomposites of PVDF with varying volume percents of strontium doped PZT have been synthesized using a combination of a modified solution casting process and the hot press technique. The nanocrystalline PZT used prepared from the sol gel route and was in the calcined state. An increase in the volume percent of PZT caused an increase in the dielectric constant, dielectric loss and piezoelectric charge coefficients. The experimental dielectric constants gave a perfect fit to the theoretical Furukawa model. However, no significant trend is perceived for the dielectric loss. SEM and XRD aided in determining the morphology and the crystalline phases in PVDF, PZT and PVDF/PZT composite. TG/DSC was done to confirm the percentage crystallinity of PVDF. A comparison with samples prepared from the conventional solution casting process has also been given. Composites prepared from the modified solution casting process using nanocrystalline strontium doped PZT give better piezoelectric properties as compared to earlier works.