Two-Step Polarization Switching in Ferroelectric Polymers.

Abstract

The correlation between hierarchical structures and polarization switching in ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-ran-trifluoroethylene) has been probed by combining transmission electron microscopy studies with piezoresponse force microscopy observations. Differences are demonstrated between homogeneous and anisotropic thin films with well-defined lamellar orientation, with the later exhibiting quadrangular domain shape and double hysteresis. We propose that the polarization switching within lamella is dominated by domain wall flow motion, while the amorphous components between lamellae impede full polarization switching. The coupling between lamellae is controlled by a creep process. These results and interpretations explain well the seemingly contradicting polarization reversal dynamics reported and offer opportunities to change domain reversal speed by making ferroelectric polymer nanostructures.