Piezoelectric nanocomposite sensors assembled using zinc oxide nanoparticles and poly(vinylidene fluoride)

摘要: Author(s): Dodds, JS; Meyers, FN; Loh, KJ | Abstract: Structural health monitoring (SHM) is vital for detecting the onset of damage and preventing catastrophic failure civil infrastructure systems. In particular, piezoelectric transducers have ability to excite actively interrogate structures (e.g., using surface waves) while measuring their response sensing detection. fact, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) been used various laboratory/field tests possess significant advantages compared visual inspection vibration-based methods, name a few. However, PZTs are inherently brittle, PVDF films do not high piezoelectricity, thereby limiting each these devices certain specific applications. The objective this study design, characterize, validate nanocomposites consisting zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles assembled in copolymer matrix SHM These provide greater mechanical flexibility PZTs, yet enhanced piezoelectricity pristine copolymers. This started with spin coating dispersed ZnO- PVDF-TrFE-based solutions fabricate nanocomposites. concentration ZnO was varied from 0 20 wt.% (in 5 % increments) determine influence on bulk film piezoelectricity. Second, electric polarization responses were obtained quantifying thin remnant polarization, which directly correlated Based results, poled (at 50 MV-m-1) permanently align electrical domains enhance Then, series hammer impact conducted, voltage generated by ZnO-based commercially films. showed comparable results between prototype commercial samples, increasing content provided performance. Lastly, further validated different energy levels impact, distances locations electrodes, cantilever free vibration testing dynamic strain sensing. Copyright © 2013 Techno-Press, Ltd.