Additive Manufacturing of Piezoelectric Force Sensors

Amanda White, Nicholas McKibben, Zhangxian Deng

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene), or PVDF-trFE, builds up significant electrical charges on its surface when stressed. By correlating the mechanical force with the resulting electrical charges or voltages, researchers have developed flexible, broadband, and biocompatible force sensors. PVDF-trFE force sensors are traditionally fabricated via spin coating or solvent casting, which result in large waste production and experience difficulties in forming complex geometries. To tackle these challenges, this study leveraged a commercial direct ink writing system (nScrypt microdispenser) to additively manufacture PVDF-trFE force sensors. An unprecedented piezoelectric ink was first synthesized for the nScrypt microdispenser by dissolving PVDF-trFE powders into a cosolvent system consisting of methyl ethyl ketone and dimethyl sulfoxide. The ink composition and substrate surface property were optimized simultaneously to ensure consistent and uniform printing. Postprocessing procedures, including air drying, thermal curing, and electrical poling, were then investigated to facilitate polymerization and beta phase transformation in the printed PVDF-trFE films. Eventually, this study prototyped a piezoelectric force sensor consisting of printed PVDF-trFE films and printed silver electrodes. The preliminary characterization data demonstrated that a stable force sensitivity of 7 mV/N was achieved above 1.5 kHz without any processing electrical circuits.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE
EditorsIain A. Anderson, John D. W. Madden, Herbert R. Shea
ISBN (Electronic)9781510649590
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
EventElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXIV 2022 - Long Beach, United States
Duration: 6 Apr 202211 Apr 2022

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume12042
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXIV 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLong Beach
Period6/04/2211/04/22

Keywords

  • PVDF-trFE
  • direct ink writing
  • piezoelectric polymer

EGS Disciplines

  • Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

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