(381f) Processing and Characterization of PVDF Films

Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) has
excellent piezoelectric properties and used in applications such as
sensors, actuators and switches. PVDF has several crystal phases of
which the a-phase is most commonly
obtained by melt processing. The b-phase,
which has the required electrical properties, is obtained from the
a-phase by cold drawing and electrical
poling. The processing PVDF films by means of the blown film and cast
film processes and their characterization will be reviewed. The
drawing and poling of the films to obtain the b-phase
with good piezo-electric properties will be discussed with reference
to processing parameters. The role of nucleating agents to obtain the
b-phase will be presented.