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What is piezoelectricity?
What is piezoelectricity?
Piezoelectricity is the ability of certain materials to generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress. This phenomenon occurs in materials like crystals (quartz), ceramics, and polymers (such as PVDF). The term "piezoelectric" comes from the Greek word "piezein," meaning to press or squeeze.
When a piezoelectric material is subjected to mechanical forces, it produces an electrical signal. Conversely, applying an electrical field can cause the material to deform. This dual effect makes piezoelectric materials useful in sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting devices. Applications include ultrasound transducers, accelerometers, and wearable devices.
Piezoelectric Polymer
Piezoelectric Polymer
Among the numerous piezoelectric polymers, PVDF offers a unique combination of high piezoelectric sensitivity, flexibility, chemical resistance, and ease of production. These properties make it the go-to material for applications in diverse fields like healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Its balance of performance, versatility, and cost makes it the preferred choice in both established and emerging markets for piezoelectric sensors and devices.
PVDF Homopolymer
PVDF Homopolymer
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a semi-crystalline, non-centrosymmetric polymer known for its piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties. It is a linear polymer featuring permanent electric dipoles that are aligned perpendicular to the molecular chain, caused by the electronegativity difference between hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. PVDF can adopt various crystalline phases (α, β, γ, δ) depending on processing conditions, with the β phase demonstrating the most optimal ferroelectric and piezoelectric characteristics.
P(VDF/TrFE) copolymer
P(VDF/TrFE) copolymer
The well-ordered polymer chains in poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF/TrFE)) copolymers, formed by strong dipoles from carbon-fluoride bonds, give rise to exceptional piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties. The β-phase forms naturally without the need for mechanical stretching or electrical poling, which is typically required for PVDF homopolymers. These materials maintain stable performance across a wide temperature range, making them ideal for advanced applications requiring consistent piezoelectric and ferroelectric behavior.
Properties
Properties
PVDF Homopolymer
PVDF Homopolymer
Easily processed using standard industrial equipment, with straightforward post-processing options like welding and fabrication
Exceptional resistance to sunlight and UV exposure
Superior chemical resistance against a broad spectrum of harsh chemicals
Excellent flame and smoke properties with safe burn characteristics
Outstanding electrochemical stability
Excellent resistance to abrasion
P(VDF/TrFE) Copolymers
P(VDF/TrFE) Copolymers
Excellent thermal stability of piezoelectric properties
Strong mechanical properties
High coupling factor
Operates across a wide frequency range
Transparent material
High dielectric strength
Chemically resistant
Compared to PVDF homopolymer, P(VDF/TrFE) copolymers offer significant advantages:
Higher thermal stability: 80°C for PVDF vs. 130°C for P(VDF/TrFE) 80/20
Superior coupling factor: 0.15 for PVDF vs. 0.3 for P(VDF/TrFE)
Printable for versatile manufacturing applications
Enhanced piezoelectric performance, including a higher d33 coefficient, leading to greater sensitivity and efficiency
Products
Products
Piezo Polymer Film and Coating
Piezo Polymer Film and Coating
Piezo polymer films are offered in both PVDF homopolymer and P(VDF/TrFE) copolymers options.
The film thickness can be tailored, ranging from a few µm to tens of µm, based on your requirements.
Piezo polymer coatings are available exclusively for P(VDF/TrFE) copolymers.
It can be applied on various substrates, from thin layers to thicker coatings, also ranging from a few µm to tens of µm.
Piezo Cable Sensor
Piezo Cable Sensor
Piezo cable sensors are available in both PVDF homopolymer and P(VDF/TrFE) copolymers options.
Piezo cable sensors made from PVDF homopolymer are offered as films, while P(VDF/TrFE) options are available as either films or coatings.
The thickness of these films or coatings can be customized, ranging from a few µm to hundreds of µm, depending on your specific needs.
Applications
Applications
PVDF Homopolymer: Ideal for sensors, actuators, and membranes operating in extreme environments, such as oil and gas exploration, aerospace, and medical devices, due to its excellent chemical and thermal resistance.
P(VDF/TrFE) Copolymers: Perfect for advanced applications including wearable sensors, flexible electronics, non-volatile memory devices, ultrasound transducers, and energy-harvesting devices, due to their superior piezoelectric properties and flexibility.
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