Electrical Detection of Vibrations of Electrospun PVDF Membranes

Abstract

We prepared electroactive PVDF membranes, which were subjected to mechanical as well as dual electro–mechanical signals and their responses were detected by the evoked electrical pulses. The aim was to obtain primarily electric energy that could be used for light signalling, sensing of the membrane properties and membrane motion detection. The obtained data showed the unique as well as usable properties of PVDF membranes. From this point of view, the gain and analysis of the electrical responses to combined electro–mechanical loads of PVDF membranes have been important in terms of identifying the mechanism. The detected electrical response of the PVDF membrane to their electro–mechanical pulses also indicated the possibility of using this phenomenon. Among others, it suggests monitoring of membrane fouling and use for a self-cleaning mechanism.

Pressure-Driven Piezoelectric Sensors and Energy Harvesting in Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate Film

“…The concept of piezoelectric polymer materials represents the use of piezoelectric polymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) [6][7][8] or copolymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoridetrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) [9] or poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) [10]. In addition, the piezoelectric polymer can be mixed with a nonpiezoelectric polymer, such as polyborosiloxane, to improve flexibility for detecting stimuli such as bending, shock, vibration, and breathing [11].…”