Functionally graded electroactive poly(vinylidene fluoride) by multilayer spin-coating deposition with controlled crystalline phase content

Abstract

Poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, is a polymer presenting four crystal structures: α, β, γ and δ. The α- and β-phases are the most studied and applied technologically. The β-phase of the polymer is the one which shows better properties to be applied in sensors and actuators, due to its higher electroactive properties. To increase sensor/actuator sensibility and reliability in specific applications or to tune ultrasound emission performance, it is most suitable to use multilayer functionally graded electroactive materials. Functionally graded electroactive PVDF, was prepared from PVDF/DMF solutions through thin film multilayer deposition by spin coating. In each layer both thickness and crystalline phase can be accurately controlled.