AC poling of solution cast films of polyvinylidene fluoride/lead zirconate composites

Summary form only given, as follows. Composite samples were prepared in the form of thin films (50-80 mu m) by solution casting techniques for different weight fractions of PZT (lead zirconate titanate) in a PVDF (polyvinylidine fluoride) matrix. Samples were AC poled at a temperature of approximately 180 degrees C. The AC poling at elevated temperatures considerably enhances the dielectric constant and is found to be a more efficient way of poling composite films than conventional DC poling. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction studies were done to correlate the increment in dielectric constant with structural modification.<>