Processing optimization: A way to improve the ionic conductivity and dielectric loss of electroactive polymers

Abstract

Electro‐active polymers (EAPs) such as P(VDF‐TrFE‐CTFE) are greatly promising in the field of flexible sensors and actuators, but their low dielectric strength driven by ionic conductivity is a main concern for achieving high electrostrictive performance. It is well known that there is a quadratic dependence of the strain response and mechanical energy density on the applied electric field. This dependence highlights the importance of improving the electrical breakdown EAPs while reducing the dielectric losses. This article demonstrates that it is possible to dramatically increase the electrical breakdown and decrease the dielectric losses by controlling processing parameters of the polymer synthesis and fabrication procedure. As a result, an enhancement of around 70% is achieved in both the strain and blocking force. The effects on the dielectric losses of the polymer crystallinity, molecular weight, solvent purity, and crystallization temperature are also investigated. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1164–1173

High-Capacity, Fast-Response, and Photocapacitor-Based Terpolymer Phosphor Composite

“…In conclusion, during each period of the ON/OFF cycle, the photocurrent exhibited two principal transient peaks with opposite polarity, which is similar to the result reported by Reissig et al [24] where they also found a double peak of the output delivered by a P3HT:PCBM blend filled with an ionic liquid. In this case, the charge attribution may occur by accumulated charge carriers and accumulation of holes inside the material matrix.…”

“…The first thermal treatment of the films was performed at 70 • C for 10 min to evaporate the solvent. Subsequently, it was annealed at 100 • C for 1 h in a convection oven to promote terpolymer crystallization [24]. For photo-capacitor characterization of the polymer composite, samples were sputtered on the top with a 20-mm diameter circular gold electrode using a Cressington Sputter Coater (208 HR) that helps to deposit a very thin (25 nm) Au layer.…”

Reducing leakage current and dielectric losses of electroactive polymers through electro-annealing for high-voltage actuation

“…The selection of polymer grade-including monomeric composition, molecular weight-as well as optimization of solvent, ltration, drying, and annealing steps have been described in our previous work. 33 An optimized average molecular mass of terpolymer was found with superior homogeneity and good electrical and mechanical responses.…”

“…This is consistent to previous works. 33,[48][49][50][51] Interestingly, A 0 showed a 5-fold reduction for the E-TH sample with respect to the TH one, and this parameter is inversely proportional to the activation energy of conduction mechanism.…”

Surface Correction Control Based on Plasticized Multilayer P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE) Actuator—Live Mirror

“…EAPs are currently a most promising class of materials due to their useful properties such as light-weight with high compliance, high active strain and stress, and easy processing to large area films, plus the outstanding capability to be 3D printed into diversified electronic devices such as actuators, generators, sensors, and among others dielectric elastomers. [7][8][9][10][11][12] Notably, fluorinated electroactive polymers [13][14][15] exhibit exceptional electromechanical response by using different methods such as introducing nanoparticles into polymer matrix, [16] irradiation approach, [17] etc., opening exciting opportunities for the future developments of these materials.…”