Fabrication and Characterization of PZT/PVDF Composite Films for Force Sensor Applications

Abstract This study explored the impact of hot press parameters on PZT/PVDF composite films designed for force‐sensing applications. The systematic fraction (PZT/PVDF), pressure, temperature, and time during hot pressing processes are subject to variation during hot pressing processes. The focus is on the resulting composite film thickness and its subsequent influence on the piezoelectric properties, which are essential for the performance of force sensors. The present study investigates the characteristics and performance of PZT/PVDF composite films with fraction ratios 2/5, 5/5, and 7/3 and Hot Pressure (HP) 10, 40, and 60 MPa and temperature at 150°C for 2 h. The characterization of these films was conducted using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The piezoelectric properties ( d 33 and d 31 constant) were measured using impact and extraction tests to evaluate the performance of films to applied forces. The results show that the highest piezoelectric coefficients ( d 33 and d 31 ) were determined to be 35.8 pC/N and 12.60 pC/N, with fraction ratios of 7/3 and 2/5. The study revealed a positive correlation between the PZT/PVDF ratio and sensitivity, indicating that an increase in the ratio leads to an increase in sensitivity. Conversely, a negative relationship was observed between the impact load and the sensor's sensitivity, suggesting that an increase in the impact load results in a sensitivity drop. The results of this work demonstrate the great potential of piezoelectric PZT/PVDF composite films in force sensors for small load applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.