Preparation of PVDF/PAR composites with piezoelectric properties by post-treatment

Abstract

Thermoplastic composites were prepared using poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as the matrix with piezoelectric properties and aromatic polyarylate (PAR) as the reinforcing component. The PVDF/PAR conjugate fibers were prepared by melt conjugate spinning. The PVDF/PAR composites were prepared by compression molding of the PVDF/PAR conjugate fiber laminates at various molding temperatures. Drawing and poling post-treatments of the PVDF/PAR composites were performed to increase the β crystalline phase content of the PVDF. The morphologies of the PVDF/PAR composites were observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the tensile properties were tested using an universal testing machine. The crystal structure of the PVDF/PAR composites was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The piezoelectric properties were tested using voltmeters and multimeters. The post-treatments enhanced the content of the b crystalline phase of the PVDF matrix, thereby improving the piezoelectric properties of the composites. A molding temperature of 180 °C, drawing temperature of 90 °C, and poling voltage of 12 kV were identified as the optimal conditions for the preparation of the PVDF/PAR composite.