Characterisation of piezoelectric PVDF monofilaments

Abstract

The piezoelectric effect of poly(vinylidene fluoride) is demonstrated in monofilaments. These
\nfibres produce electrical signal upon mechanical deformation. The structure of the monofilaments
\nis analysed by wide angle X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, whereas the
\ncrystalline fraction mainly consists of the piezoelectric b phase. For polarisation and
\nelectromechanical characterisation, poly(vinylidene fluoride)–epoxy composites are manufactured,
\nwhereas all the filaments are aligned parallel to the composite structure. The electric signal
\nis two magnitudes of order larger for the polarised samples compared to the unpolarised ones.
\nFurthermore, there is a clear anisotropy, allowing the direction dependent measurement of stress
\nand strain. Mechanical stress in the fibre direction
\n