PZT/polymer flexible composites for embedded actuator and sensor applications

Witold Kowbel; Xiaoxin Xia; William Champion; James C. Withers; Ben K. Wada

doi:10.1117/12.352809

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12 July 1999 PZT/polymer flexible composites for embedded actuator and sensor applications

Witold Kowbel, Xiaoxin Xia, William Champion, James C. Withers, Ben K. Wada

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Proceedings Volume 3675, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Smart Materials Technologies; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.352809
Event: 1999 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1999, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

Currently, smart structures utilize both polymeric sensor and PZT-based actuators. Polymeric sensors based upon PVDF are limited to about 70 degrees C operating temperature, while PZT-based actuators are inflexible. This paper examines the use of PZT/polymer composites for smart materials applications. Both ferroelectric (VDF) and non- ferroelectric high temperatuer polymers were studied. High temperature composite sensors were fabricated exhibiting g₃₁ values of 90 X 10^-3 Vm/N compared to 110 X 10^-3 Vm/N for PVDF combined with excellent compliance. On the other hand, 0-3 composite based actuators were fabricated with greatly enhanced d₃₁ over PVDF. Piezo properties and dielectric properties of both sensor and actuators were studied as a function of temperature voltage. Processing-structure-properties relationship was established including key processing parameters such as PZT particle size, enhanced poling additives and polymer properties. Thermal dependence of the 0-3 composites piezoproperties was correlated with glass properties of the polymer. Applications of this new class of 0-3 concepts to cure monitoring of advanced composite systems will be discussed.

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Witold Kowbel, Xiaoxin Xia, William Champion, James C. Withers, and Ben K. Wada "PZT/polymer flexible composites for embedded actuator and sensor applications", Proc. SPIE 3675, Smart Structures and Materials 1999: Smart Materials Technologies, (12 July 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.352809

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