Optimising piezoelectric and magnetoelectric responses on CoFe2O4/P(VDF-TrFE) nanocomposites

Magnetoelectric nanocomposite films composed of magnetostrictive CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with sizes between 35 and 55 nm embedded in P(VDF-TrFE) have been successfully prepared by a solvent casting method. The ferroelectric, piezoelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of the nanocomposite and their variation with the wt% of the ferrite filler, thickness of the composite and direction of the applied magnetic field have been investigated. Ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties are improved when small amount of ferrite nanoparticles were added to the polymeric matrix. Magnetic properties vary linearity with ferrite content. The highest magnetoelectric response of 41.3 mV/cmOe was found in the composite with 72wt% when a 2.5 kOe DC field was transversely applied to the sample surface. This value is among the highest reported in two phase particulate polymer nanocomposites. Thickness of the composite has no influence in the magnetoelectric response, allowing tailoring sensor thickness for specific applications. The good value of the magnetoelectric coefficient and the flexibility of the films make these composites suitable for applications in magnetoelectric smart devices.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) (PTDC/CTM/69316/2006), (SFRH/BD/45265/2008).FEDER “Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade – COMPETE” (NANO/NMed-SD/0156/2007)Basque Government Industry Department - Project Actimat (ETORTEK-IE10-272)COST Action MP1003, 2010 - The „European Scientific Network for Artificial Muscles‟ (ESNAM)