Effect of Particle Functionalization on Structural and Dielectric Properties of Flexible TPU/BaTiO₃/MWCNTs Composite Films

Abstract

Flexible, low-cost thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite films with functionalized BaTiO 3 (BT) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are prepared by solution casting and tested as dielectric materials. Different volume content loadings of BT filler (between 10 and 80 vol%) and 0.12 vol% of MWCNTs are applied. The effects of particle functionalization and BT content on the structural, mechanical, and energy storage properties are studied by Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as puncture and dielectric measurements. It is found that the particle functionalization and BT content significantly affect the hydrogen bonding within the polymer matrix, and have a huge impact on the mechanical and dielectric properties. The optimal concentration (30 vol% of functionalized BT and 0.12 vol% of functionalized MWCNTs) giving the highest dielectric constant of 30.28 and dielectric breakdown strength of 42 kV mm −1 is determined.

Three-Dimensional Printable Flexible Piezoelectric Composites with Energy Harvesting Features

“…The new trend is defined by flexible energy-harvesting devices, which are yet more difficult to manufacture. Some achievements are presented as [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28], but they are practically never combined with 3D printing technology, which is the interest of our research and the subject of the actual paper. In general, a wide range of composites made of ceramic powders and polymers can be processed by 3D printing technology; however, the receipt at the nanoscale is a key factor in successful part fabrication.…”