Sensors Based on Ferroelectric Polymers
Sensors based on ferroelectric polymers are attracting attention due to their compact, lightweight, flexible, and highly sensitive properties. Flexible and thin sensors can provide healthcare services in everyday life with smart patches, smart watches, and clothing-integrated sensors.
Working Principle
Sensors Based on P(VDF-TrFE) Copolymers
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Piezoelectric materials produce an electrical signal when an external force is applied, or exhibit mechanical deformation when an external electric field is applied.
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Normally, polarization only occurs in the presence of an external stimulus, but ferroelectric materials have spontaneous polarization in the absence of an external electric field and can be reversed by an external electric field.
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InteractOn utilizes these ferroelectric polymers to fabricate sensors.
InteractOn can provide sensors fabricated with ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers, materials known for their robust and reliable piezoelectric performance. When the sensor is subjected to mechanical stimuli such as pressure, vibration, or strain, the deformation generates an electrical charge that is proportional to the applied force. This charge creates a measurable voltage across the sensor's electrodes, allowing the external stimulus to be detected.
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Key Advantages:
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Flexibility & Conformability: Their ability to conform to curved and complex surfaces makes them ideal for applications where rigid ceramic sensors are impractical, such as on wearable devices or aircraft fuselages.
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Biocompatibility & Non-Toxicity: Being lead-free and biocompatible, PVDF and its copolymers are safe for medical applications, including skin-contact sensors and implantable devices.
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Low Acoustic Impedance: The acoustic impedance of P(VDF-TrFE) (approx. 4.5 MRayl) is much closer to that of human tissue (approx. 1.5 MRayl) compared to PZT ceramics (>30 MRayl). This superior impedance matching ensures efficient energy transfer, which is critical for high-quality biomedical ultrasound imaging.
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Robustness & Durability: As polymers, they are inherently more resistant to impact and fracture than brittle ceramics. Studies have shown excellent fatigue resistance, with long-term degradation often linked to the electrodes rather than the polymer itself.
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Primary Application: The foundational component for our Structural Health Monitoring & Biomedical Health Monitoring