PVDF-PZT Composite Films for Strain Sensing Applications

Piezoelectric polymer-ceramic composites are promising materials for transducer applications. PVDF-PZT composite films with 50% weight fraction of PZT have been developed using solvent cast method. Films are investigated using X-ray diffraction technique, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry to study crystal structural changes, distribution of particles within the polymer matrix, the changes induced in the melting transition and in the degree of crystallinity of the composites, respectively. The composite films are tested as strain sensor and are compared with conventional strain gauges fixed on CFRP specimens. A Load in steps of 1kN was applied at the rate of 0.5mm/min. It was found that the strain variation was linear to the voltage output from composite PVDF compare to strain values