MICROSTRUCTURE AND PHASE OF POLY(VINYLIDEN FLUORIDE) FILMS BY ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION: EFFECT OF POLYMER DISPERSION STIRRING CONDITIONS

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique was applied to conformably deposit piezoelectric PVDF film on uneven surface target. Nevertheless, optimization of polymer dispersion preparation process is crucial to achieve an even and uniform PVDF film. Sedimentation test showed PVDF polymer dispersions were more stable and well-dispersed in DMF than in MEK. Higher stirring temperature and shorter stirring time in MEK further decreased the PVDF dispersion stability and produced higher degree of agglomerated PVDF chain. As a result, MEK-based dispersion produced thick and fully coverage films whereas, the DMF-based dispersions produced thin but partial coverage films. Thus, the degree of dispersibility of the PVDF dispersions had a profound influence on the deposited films’ microstructure. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of electroactive β phase in DMF-derived deposit, and a mixture of α and β phases in the MEK-derived films.