Polarization dynamics of VDF-TrFE copolymers

Abstract

The polymer polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers with trifluoroethylene (TrFE) exhibit a strong piezoelectric effect after poling in high electric fields (100 MV/m). HV impulses of definite duration have been applied to the polymer in order to study the dynamics of the poling process. The dielectric displacement during the HV impulse was recorded. After the impulse, the remanent polarization under short-circuit conditions was also measured. It was thus possible to obtain the minimum poling time dependent on the applied field strength necessary to stabilize the remanent polarization. Comparing the time development of the dielectric displacement with the corresponding remanent polarization revealed a time delay between the orientation of the dipoles and their stabilization. It is concluded that the process of orientation of the dipoles itself is not sufficient to lead to a remanent polarization and that an additional interaction between the trapped charges and the oriented dipoles can explain the stability of the remanent polarization and the observed time delay.