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The XRD shows a peak above the 2θ = 20˚ angle associated
with the α-phase, but well lower than the 2θ = 21˚ associated
with the β-phase Clearly the PVDF hasn’t made the complete
transition from alpha phase to beta phase, but it may have
started the transition. In a number of samples we experienced
PVDF precipitates or other imperfection, such as small voids
which disqualified the samples from further testing. As for
FTIR measurements no clear interpretation has been obtained
between unpoled and poled PVDF for our test samples. The
test sample of gold coated PVDF membrane has withstood
over an hour of testing in the flexing test jig and shows no
signs of fatigue yet. Ultimately, the details for applying PVDF
to the fabric substrate require waiting until we identify the best
method for poling the PVDF solvent while curing and in situ.
One of last test suggests dominant d 33 [9] properties as it
stretched in the test jig showing piezoelectricity, as opposed to
the d 31 parameter that we are looking for. This is important
due to the method of deformation. What is occurring is
stretching as opposed to bending as would be natural with a
fabric. The membrane is clearly piezoelectric, as can be seen
in Fig. 8, but not yet in the β-phase required for better power
generation.
11-13 May 2011, Aix-en-Provence, France
APPENDIX
David Elam
Greg Collins
James Benson
Dr. C.L. Chen
Dr. A. Chabanov
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
4
Fig. 8. Voltage generated from membrane at 1 Hz frequency.
VII. CONCLUSION
The membrane generated a charge due to its piezoelectricity.
The in-situ poling and curing show promise largely because
PVDF shrinks during curing, causing stress, strain. We
continue to test new methods such as developing better in situ
preparation of poling, curing, and heating simultaneously. We
hope to complete the α-phase to β-phase process transition as
efficiently as possible and apply that technique to the FlecTron
fabric. Further research activities will consist of thin film
optimization to maximize charge generation as well as
extended testing to determine the useful life of the membranes
produced. This is just the beginning of research into
piezoelectric materials and applying what we learn towards
improving our quality of life.
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