Zinc oxide nanoparticle-polymeric thin films for dynamic strain sensing

• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-010-4940-3
• Publication Date: 2010-09-30T16:12:59Z
• Authors: Kenneth J. Loh; Donghee Chang
• Keywords: Poling

Piezoelectric transducers are becoming increasingly popular for dynamic strain monitoring due to their small form factors and ability generate an electrical voltage drop in response strain. Although numerous types of piezoelectric thin films have been adopted sensing, it has shown that piezo-ceramics expensive, brittle, can fail during operation, while piezo-polymers possess lower piezoelectricity mechanical stiffness. Thus, the objective this study is develop a film characterized by high (i.e., sensitivities) favorable properties being conformable structural surfaces yet stiff). First, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles dispersed polyelectrolyte solutions, excess solvent evaporated fabrication. The amount ZnO embedded within varied yield seven unique sample sets with weight fractions ranging from 0 60%. Upon fabrication, specimens mounted load frame monotonic uniaxial testing explore films' stress–strain performance subsequently determine (namely, modulus elasticity, ultimate strength, failure strain). Finally, also onto cantilevered beams undergoing free vibration applied initial displacement. generated voltages induced strains recorded, sensitivities different fraction calculated compared. Commercial PVDF employed comparison.