Energy harvesting from a thin polymeric film based on PVDF-HFP and PMMA blend

Abstract

Abstract: Herein, a thin polymeric film prepared by spin coating technique using the blend of poly(vinylidene floride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and poly(methyl methactrylate) PMMA (1:1 mixing ratio) was introduced and compared with the pure PVDF-HFP. SEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA and DSC characterizations were conducted. Piezoelectric response was measured by hand made setup and the produced signal measured by a digital oscilloscope. Blending with PMMA increased the β-phase content, improved the heat stability. Crystallization point decreased from 140 to 129 °C and glass transition temperature changed from 59 to 94 °C. A uniform porous film structure was obtained with a thickness value of 12 µm. Piezoelectric potential obtained by applying mechanical force was found 4.385 V and 8.101 V for pure PVDF-HFP and the blend film, respectively. 84.7% increase found in the piezoelectric potential could be a promising result for energy harvesting and sensors applications. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]