Maxwell Wagner Sillars Research Articles

Hybrid Core-Shell TiCN@SiO2 Nanoparticles in Percolation-Based Polyvinylidene Fluoride Dielectrics for Improved High-Voltage Capacitive Energy Storage.

Solid-state polymer dielectrics offer an exceptional dielectric breakdown, but require an enhanced energy density to be competitive with alternative electrolyte-based energy storage technologies. Therefore, this research introduces conductive titanium carbonitride (TiCN) nanoparticles in a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix to obtain flexible percolation-based nanodielectrics by ultrasonication-based suspension processing and hot pressing. Well-dispersed TiCN nanoparticles in PVDF were obtained for a wide range of filler volume fractions, and an exceptional peak in the dielectric constant equal to 1130 (0.1 Hz) and 29 (10 kHz) was observed near the percolation threshold (9.2 vol %). The enhanced dielectric constant was ascribed to massive interfacial polarization occurring, resulting from Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization and a nanocapacitor mechanism that are dominant at low and high frequencies, respectively. An improvement by 30% in the energy density (0.042 Wh kg-1) compared with the neat PVDF matrix was achieved for the PVDF/TiCN nanodielectrics. The first successful uniform deposition of a nanometer-thin (3 nm) silica (SiO2) shell via the Stöber process on TiCN nanoparticles significantly suppressed the dielectric losses near percolation for the PVDF/TiCN@SiO2 nanodielectrics by more than 1 order of magnitude while offering dielectric constants of 34 (0.1 Hz) and 10 (10 kHz). This study demonstrates the potential of hybrid (core-shell) percolation-based dielectrics for an improved capacitive dielectric performance by an integrated dielectric characterization approach that simultaneously optimizes the dielectric constant, loss tangent, breakdown strength, and energy density.

Structural properties, dielectric relaxation, and impedance spectroscopy of NASICON type Na3+xZr2−xPrxSi2PO12${\rm Na}_{3+x} {\rm Zr}_{2-x} {\rm Pr}_{x} {\rm Si}_2 {\rm PO}_{12}$ ceramics

AbstractWe investigate the dielectric and impedance spectroscopic investigation of Pr‐doped NASICON type () samples as a function of temperature and frequency. The Rietveld refinement of X‐ray diffraction patterns confirms the monoclinic phase having C2/c space groups for all the samples. The scanning electron microscopy shows the granular‐like structure and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis confirms the desired compositions. The temperature (90–400 K) and frequency (20 Hz–2 MHz) dependence of electric permittivity are explained using Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) polarization and space charge polarization mechanisms. The dielectric relaxation shows nearly equal activation energy for all the samples with a non‐Debye type of relaxation in the measured temperature range. The complex impedance analysis shows the presence of broad grain and grain boundary relaxation peaks. The stretched exponent analysis of electric modulus using the Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts (KWW) function further confirms the non‐Debye type of relaxation. Moreover, scaling analysis of the electric modulus shows a similar type of relaxation for all the samples. The ac conductivity data are fitted using modified power law, where the temperature dependence of exponent () confirms the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) type conduction for all the samples. Our results indicate that the Pr‐doped NASICON samples are potential candidates for charge storage devices due to their large electric permittivity.

Recycling devulcanized EPDM to improve engineering properties of SBR rubber compounds

Ethylene propylene diene rubbers (EPDM) have gained substantial attention in automotive and industrial applications owing to their exceptional resistance against weathering and heat. Despite their advantages, the elastomeric nature of EPDM poses challenges in its recycling due to the presence of crosslinks in their chemical structure, preventing them from melting. To overcome this issue, devulcanized EPDM (EPDMd) has been developed, characterized by the effective breaking of these crosslinks. Our study focuses on common composites that include Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), EPDM and silica, but with the incorporation of devulcanized EPDM (EPDMd).We have studied the mechanical, thermal, structural and dielectric properties of SBR composites containing EPDMd at variable compositions (0, 20, 40, 50, 60 phr). Employing techniques such as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectropy (FTIR), and Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), we have explored the microstructural changes driving the macroscopic effects on the measured properties.The results show that incorporating EPDMd improves the crosslinking degree and, at optimal 40 phr loading, significantly increases the mechanical properties of SBR matrix. The addition of SiO2, in general, reduce tensile strength and elongation, while increasing the Young's modulus, except for compositions around 40 phr EPDMd. The dielectric measurements are in concordance with the previous data, showing a moderation of the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) effect due to SiO2 in highly filled EPDMd composites at 40 phr EPDMd.

Complex conductivity as a tool to investigate the electrical behavior between graphene oxide and reduced graphene in supercapacitors: Correlation between the electrical properties

The storage mechanisms of solid-solid supercapacitors based on graphene oxide (rGO/GO/rGO) were explored by Zhang Q et al. (Zhang et al., 2014) [1], using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to elucidate the unusual capacitive behavior of GO sandwich films. Their study revealed alternating charged layers without diffusion zones. Analysis of complex impedance (Z*) data, ranging from 10−3 to 3.106 Hz, was conducted using an equivalent circuit, though this was limited to Nyquist plot data.To further investigate charge storage mechanisms, the current study delved deeper into complex impedance (Z*) and conductivity (σ*). A theoretical approach identified relaxation processes in the imaginary parts of (Z″) and (σ'') across frequencies. Extrapolation up to 3.10^9 Hz and deconvolution confirmed three distinct relaxation processes in Z* and σ*, similar to Cole-Cole relaxation, which describes Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) relaxation. This reflects local electrical interactions between active sites on molecular chains and counterions, creating induced dipolar moments or diffusion processes.The identified relaxations at low, medium, and high frequencies correspond well with DFT results, attributed to specific regions: graphene oxide (GO), the (rGO/GO) interface, and reduced graphene (rGO). Key parameters extracted from each relaxation, such as relaxation time, ionic strength, and conductivity values at different frequencies, showed good correlation. This approach, based on deep conductivity (σ*) analysis, effectively highlighted the charge conduction and storage mechanisms in rGO/GO/rGO supercapacitor films.

Analysis of Polymer-Ceramic Composites Performance on Electrical and Mechanical Properties through Finite Element and Empirical Models.

Polymer and ceramic-based composites offer a unique blend of desirable traits for improving dielectric permittivity. This study employs an empirical approach to estimate the dielectric permittivity of composite materials and uses a finite element model to understand the effects of permittivity and filler concentration on mechanical and electrical properties. The empirical model combines the Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) and Bruggeman models to estimate the effective permittivity using Barium Titanate (BT) and Calcium Copper Titanate Oxide (CCTO) as ceramic fillers dispersed in a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer matrix. Results indicate that the permittivity of the composite improves with increased filler content, with CCTO/PDMS emerging as the superior combination for capacitive applications. Capacitance and energy storage in the CCTO/PDMS composite material reached 900 nF and 450 nJ, respectively, with increased filler content. Additionally, increased pressure on the capacitive model with varied filler content showed promising effects on mechanical properties. The interaction between BT filler and the polymer matrix significantly altered the electrical properties of the model, primarily depending on the composite's permittivity. This study provides comprehensive insights into the effects of varied filler concentrations on estimating mechanical and electrical properties, aiding in the development of real-world pressure-based capacitive models.

Exploring temperature effects on raw polysaccharide in semi-diluted solution using complex conductivity: Correlation analysis of activation energies

The evolution of the complex conductivity of raw polysaccharides extracted from Cystoseira myriophyloides algae exhibited significant temperature dependence in an aqueous solution. An analysis of the complex conductivity versus frequency was conducted using an appropriate electrical circuit based on our theoretical approach. This facilitated the generation of analytical functions representing the relaxation processes occurring at different temperatures. Subsequently, extrapolation and deconvolution procedures were employed to further investigate and identify all relaxation processes and their origins. These approaches revealed the presence of three relaxation processes. The first relaxation, observed at low frequency, is attributed to interfacial polarization between the electrode and the solution. The second and third relaxations, observed at medium and high frequencies, are attributed to bulk relaxation processes. Then, subtracting the low-frequency process clarified the bulk relaxation processes. Both relaxations are described by the Cole-Cole relaxation, which effectively models the well-known Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) phenomenon typically observed in polyelectrolyte solutions. This relaxation is typically caused by interfacial polarization between molecular chains and counterions in the sample. Both relaxations were found to be thermally activated. The temperature dependence of useful parameters extracted from each relaxation, such as relaxation time (τσ) and conductivity (σdc) and (σ∞), followed Arrhenius law behavior. Furthermore, activation energy values for each relaxation process were determined, establishing a linear correlation between activation energy values related to relaxation time (τσ) and both conductivities (σdc) and (σ∞). These results confirm the origin of bulk relaxations and demonstrate a strong link between relaxation and conduction mechanisms.

Synergetic Improvement of Flexoelectric Coefficient in Liquid Crystal Embedded Flexible PVDF Polymer Composite for Energy Harvesting Applications.

Flexoelectricity is the universal electric polarization of dielectrics upon exertion of a non-uniform strain gradient. With the advancement of nano-technology and miniaturization of electronic devices, flexoelectricity holds the promise to address the power requirements for such device operation. The direct flexoelectric effect in liquid crystal (LC) embedded poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer films is examined for the first time by the application of external strain on the films. Physical characterizations such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), dielectric spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) are carried out to study the composite films' intrinsic and extrinsic properties like dielectric, crystallinity, and morphologies. The value of the flexoelectric coefficient (μ12) increases with the concentration of LC incorporation. At 3wt%, μ12 attains a maximum value of 68nCm-1, which is more than a threefold increase compared to that of the pure PVDF film. The role of Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization in determining flexoelectric polarization in polymer composites is also discussed. Moreover, the influence of the microstructure and domain size formation in determining the flexoelectric response are discussed in detail to infer the behavior of the flexoelectric coefficients of the films. Potential device applications based on this phenomenon have been proposed for future research in sensing and actuation.

A unified hybrid micromechanical model for predicting the thermal and electrical conductivity of graphene reinforced porous and saturated cement composites

Graphene fillers have gained widespread attention as functional reinforcements for cement composites due to their excellent physical properties. The prediction of the thermal and electrical properties of graphene reinforced cement composites (GRCCs) is of great importance for developing intelligent and multifunctional civil engineering materials and structures. In this current work, a unified hybrid micromechanical model combining effective medium theory (EMT) and Mori-Tanaka-Benveniste (MTB) is developed to simultaneously predict the thermal and electrical conductivity of the GRCCs with considering pores and saturation, in which mechanisms including phonon transport, electron tunnelling and Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization are incorporated. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced cement composites (GNPRCCs) samples are prepared and tested to validate the developed unified model. The results show that the electrical conductivity of the GNPRCCs is more sensitive to saturation than the thermal conductivity. When the porosity n = 0.2 and the GNP concentration is 1 wt%, the relative thermal and electrical conductivity increases by 5 % and 193 %, respectively, when the saturation index increases from 0.6 to 1. Elongated pores are more favorable for the formation of ionic networks for electrical conductivity in the saturated GNPRCCs, while spherical pores are more beneficial for heat transport. Elongated graphene fillers are preferred for enhancing both the thermal and electrical conductivity of dry and saturated GNPRCCs. The work is envisaged to provide guidelines for developing multifunctional cement composites.

Remarkably enhancing dielectric permittivity and suppressing loss of PVDF via incorporating metal nanoparticles decorated glass fibers

Dielectrics with high permittivity and low dielectric loss have so far received considerable attention because of their wide applications in various electronic devices. However, the enhanced permittivity of dielectrics is always accompanied by an increase in loss. In this work, targeting at enhancing the permittivity of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) without elevating loss, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) decorated glass fibers (GF) are incorporated into the PVDF, forming a unique design of Au@GF/PVDF composites. The effects of gold nanoparticle content, calcination temperature, and hot-pressing pressure on the dielectric properties are studied. Interestingly, for the composite with gold sputtering time of 3 min, a remarkable dielectric enhancement of 430% (i.e. from 7.8 to 33.5 at 10 kHz) along with an obvious loss suppression of 56% (i.e. from 0.0353 to 0.0198) are concurrently achieved. It is believed that, the increase in permittivity is mainly attributed to the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars effect of effective micro-capacitors and cluster polarization of gold nanoparticles while the suppressed loss is originated from the intrinsic low loss of GF and the Coulomb-blockade effect of gold nanoparticles. This work offers a promising strategy to simultaneously enhance the permittivity and suppress the loss of dielectric materials.

Modeling and solving for vibration and buckling of circular functionally graded dielectric plates reinforced by graphene platelets considering complex conditions

The vibration and bucking behaviors of circular functionally graded (FG) dielectric plates reinforced by graphene platelets (GPL) under external electric fields are studied at the presence of many complex factors such as dielectric effect, pre-stress, gradient slope, imperfect bonding between GPL and matrix material, interface electron tunneling and Maxwell–Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization. Based on the effective medium theory and linear rule of mixtures, material properties of the GPL reinforced composites (GPLRC) are calculated. Dynamic differential equations of the circular FG-GPLRC dielectric plates are numerically solved by the differential quadrature method, and natural frequencies and critical loads are obtained. Trans-scale analyses for the influences of the volume fraction, geometric size, gradient distributed pattern and gradient slope on the percolation threshold, permittivity and the vibration or buckling characteristics are provided. Furthermore, variations of the natural frequencies and critical loads with electric field parameters, the pre-stress and thickness of the interphase layer are also discussed. Results show that the natural frequencies and critical loads of the plates can be changed artificially and effectively by adjusting the external electric field, pre-stress and the parameters of GPL. The larger the diameter to thickness ratio of GPL, the bigger the equivalent permittivity and the smaller the percolation threshold. When the volume fractions of GPL are less than the threshold, the mechanical properties dominate the vibration and buckling. However, when the volume fractions are bigger than the threshold, the electrical properties have significant influences. Therefore, higher macro mechanical properties can be obtained by changing the microstructure of the materials.

Dielectric properties of PANI‐PEG nanocomposites filled with silica media for antistatic applications

AbstractThe dielectric investigations of porous synthetic silica gel modified with polyaniline (PANI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) polyblend at various concentrations are demonstrated in this paper. By using the chemical oxidative process to embed polyaniline (PANI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) into a silica matrix, conducting gel nanocomposites were synthesized. For various dopant concentrations, the dielectric permittivity (ε′), D.C. conductivity (σdc), loss tangent (tanδ) and dielectric loss (ε″) were investigated. The samples were characterized using differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Depending on the co‐blend content, PANI‐PEG modified silica structures produce nanoparticles ranging in size from 9.9 to 48.1 nm. The variation of DC conductivity (σdc) with PANI/PEG content shows Maxwell‐Wagner Sillars (MWS) effect confirming the role of the conjugation and the structural order.

A CV weighted method for oil-water two-phase flow of non-contact multi-frequency el7ectrical impedance tomography

Electrical tomography (ET) technology has attracted extensive attention in the field of scientific research on oil–water two-phase flow due to its advantages of non-intrusion, non-radiation, and simple equipment structure. Affected by Maxwell–Wagner-Sillars (MWS) effect, more imaging information can be obtained by changing the excitation frequency, especially for the mixtures with conductive phases. In this paper, a CV (coefficient of variation )-weighted method of non-contact multi-frequency electrical impedance tomography (NM-EIT) system is carried out for water-oil two-phase flow imaging. Firstly, the frequency response of the measurement system is studied and the electrical impedance information of medium in the region of interest (RoI) is observed. Secondly, the measured electrical impedance information with with different excitation frequencies are weighted by CV method. Finally, combined with the classic image reconstruction algorithm, the simulation and static experiment are carried out to verify the reconstruction effect of the proposed method. The imaging accuracies under different frequencies and flow patterns are analyzed, and a measurement experimental platform is set up to verify the reconstruction effect of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the CV-based multi-frequency weighted method maintains a higher imaging accuracy than single-frequency imaging.

Al@SiO2 Core-Shell Fillers Enhance Dielectric Properties of Silicone Composites.

Over the past decade, there has been significant interest in polysiloxane-based dielectric elastomers as promising soft electroactive materials. Nevertheless, the natural low permittivity of polydimethylsiloxane has limited its practical applications. In this study, we have developed silicone rubber/Al@SiO2 composites with a high dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, and high electrical breakdown strength by controlling the shell layer thickness and the content of the core-shell filler. We also investigated the dielectric behavior of the composites. The use of core-shell fillers has increased the Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) relaxation process while reducing the dielectric loss of direct current conductance in silicone rubber composites. Moreover, the temperature dependence of the MWS relaxation time in the composites follows the Arrhenius equation. This strategy of increasing the permittivity of silicone composites through core-shell structural fillers can inspire the preparation of other high dielectric constant composites.

Nonlinear dynamics of ionic liquid enhanced soft composite membrane under electro-mechanical loading

The incorporation of ionic liquids (ILs) into dielectric elastomer composites has attracted significant interest due to their potential applications in soft actuators and optical devices. Their soft and hyperelastic nature make them a distinct dynamic. In this paper, nonlinear dynamics of IL enhanced soft composite (ILESC) dielectric membrane subjected to electro-mechanical loading is investigated. A mixed micromechanical model with the incorporation of an electric double layer (EDL) and Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization is developed to estimate mechanical and electrical properties of the ILESC. Governing equations are derived via an energy method with the framework of the hyperelastic membrane theory, Neo-Hookean constitutive model and the couple dielectric theory. These equations are discretized by Taylor series expansion (TSE) and differential quadrature (DQ) methods and are solved by incremental harmonic balance (IHB) method combined with arc-length technique. The developed model and results are verified by comparing to experimental data and previous results. The influence of volume fraction, shape and size of IL fillers, static and dynamic applied electric field and excitation amplitude on forced vibration and resonant response of the ILESC membrane are comprehensively analyzed. It is found that ILESC membrane with slender ellipsoidal ILs displays larger amplitude, lower peak amplitude frequency and more obvious softening behavior.

Enhanced dielectric constant with addition of a low amount of SnO2 nanoparticles as fillers in a PVDF matrix with low dielectric loss

The enhancement of electroactive (EA) phases and dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films filled with SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated. The EA phase content was found to be ∼80% for a loading of 0.1wt% of SnO2 nanoparticles into the PVDF films. The value of the dielectric constant of the nanocomposite films was found to be increased by ∼5 times as compared to that of the pristine polymer. Dielectric studies were carried out in the temperature range of 80 to 430 K in order to probe the different relaxation occurring in the polymer. The enhancement in the dielectric properties of the nanocomposite films was attributed to the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) interfacial polarization, along with dipolar polarization. Morphological and microstructural studies indicated a modified spherulitic structure corresponding to the conversion of the non-polar phase to the polar (β+γ) phase. A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) fabricated from the nanocomposite film yielded a maximum power density of 1.25±0.039× 10−4 W cm−2.

Carbon nanotube–glass composite with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss for energy storage device applications

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) have been embedded as electrically conductive filler inside a borosilicate glass matrix to fabricate SWCNT–glass composites with enriched dielectric properties. The composite shows significantly increased dielectric constant (ε’) at room temperature which is 103 times higher than that of the base glass. Dielectric loss of the SWCNT–glass composite is also observed to be relatively low especially at higher frequencies. In correlation with the morphology, high dielectric constant of the composite is explained by the formation of microcapacitor networks of the carbon nanotubes and Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars polarization at nanotube/glass interface.

Transition metal impregnated nanostructured oxide material for broadband electromagnetic interference shielding: A theoretical and experimental insight

In this communication, the electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) performance and dielectric properties of the high temperature sustainable α-MnO2 semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs) have been modulated by incorporating cobalt ions into its crystal structure by employing a modified chemical synthesis technique as well as post-calcination treatment. The phase and structural investigation confirm the Co atoms are present inside the (2×2) tunnel of α-MnO2 hollandite type network and with the increasing sintering temperature the crystallite size of the samples has been found to be increasing. The theoretical bandgap energy of the samples using generalized gradient approximation with Hubbard U correction term (GGA + U) is found to be in good agreement with the experimental findings. From PL spectra it has been found that the peak locations are shifted because of the variation of the inherent bandgap energy which confirms the particles are quantum dots (QDs) in nature. Gigantic dielectric constant has been observed for the sample CM450 at low frequency (∼0.7 M at 40 Hz) with moderate tangent loss. This enhances the shielding performance (∼48 dB at 17.5 GHz) of the unwanted electromagnetic signals emitted from the daily using electronic gadgets at X-band and Ku-band. Such valuable shielding performance can be ascribed to the dual effect of dipolar as well as Maxwell Wagner Sillars (MWS) interfacial polarization effect. Considering all the performance it can be clearly concluded that the presence of a foreign element like Co creates a remarkable footprint to enhance all the electrical performance of the α-MnO2 SQDs and makes the material highly suitable for high dielectric separator as well as an efficient material for EMI pollution shielding application in electronic industry.

Theoretical models for gas separation prediction of mixed matrix membranes: effects of the shape factor of nanofillers and interface voids

Abstract In this work, a new model is developed by modifying the existing Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars (MWS) model to predict the gas separation properties of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The new modified MWS model, for the first time, provides the simultaneous exploration of the role of nanofillers/matrix interface voids and the exact geometrical shape of nanofillers in predicting the gas separation properties of MMMs. To unveil the crucial role of nanofillers/matrix interface voids, a mixed matrix membrane is considered a three-component system composed of the polymer matrix as the continuous component, nanofillers as the dispersed component and the interface voids between the two components. Moreover, the new model elucidates the role of the exact ellipsoidal shape of nanofillers within the membrane on the gas separation of MMMs by considering the shape factor of nanofillers. The newly developed modified MWS model is accurately able to predict the gas permeation of MMMs with a lower average absolute relative error (%AARE) of around 8% compared with the around 30% for conventional models such as the Maxwell model, Bruggeman model, Lewis–Nielsen model and Pal model and even compared with the modified Maxwell model (∼24%).

Influence of chlorotrifluoroethylene on crystal structure and polymer dynamics of poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) antibacterial copolymers

<abstract> <p>The effect of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) on dynamic relaxations of poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) films (P(VDF-CTFE)) containing 0, 10, 15 and 20% of CTFE was investigated via broadband dielectric spectroscopy (DRS) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The interpretation was accompanied by the crystal structure obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry. Increment of CTFE contents caused reducing the degree of crystallinity but did not impact the long period, lamellar thickness, and amorphous layer thickness. Four dynamic processes were clearly observed in DRS spectra for the neat poly(vinylidene fluoride) and P(VDF-CTFE) which were attributed to the local motion of amorphous chains (<italic>β</italic>), the segmental relaxation of amorphous chains (<italic>α</italic><sub>1</sub>), the local conformational rearrangement of the TGTGʹ conformation (<italic>α</italic><sub>2</sub>) and the process associated with Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars interfacial polarization (α<sub>MWS</sub>). The extra relaxation was observed for P(VDF-CTFE), which was more likely associated to the molecular motion of CTFE chain segments (<italic>α</italic><sub>c</sub>), correspondent with DMA results. These PVDF and P(VDF-CTFE) conducted as self-antibacterial materials.</p> </abstract>

Enhanced Dielectric Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane Elastomer-Based Composites with Cyanosilicone

Over the past decade, polysiloxane-based dielectric elastomers have attracted great interest because they are promising electroactive soft materials. However, the intrinsic low permittivity of polysiloxanes has become the major deficiency for their practical application. Herein, we report the dielectric properties and dielectric relaxation processes of silicone/cyanosilicone elastomer composites. The permittivity of the elastomer films was raised from 2.52 to 9.25 (1 Hz) by introducing cyanosilicone oil into a polydimethylsiloxane matrix. From broadband dielectric spectroscopy, the cyanosilicone oil significantly increased the αPCMHS relaxation and Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars relaxation. The contribution of the direct current conductance in high-temperature and low-frequency regions is suppressed. The elastomer composites exhibited lower Young’s modulus and pretty low dielectric loss, which would be beneficial to the actuation and sensor behavior. This work paves the way for preparing polysiloxane-based soft materials with high permittivity, low dielectric loss, and Young’s modulus.