Piezoelectric P(VDF-TrFE) thick copolymers: Response in current mode under shock loading

The most common piezoelectric polymers are PVDF, and copolymers PVDF with C2F3H. A unique application of these polymers are time-resolved dynamic stress gauges based on PVDF studies under shock loading. P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers exhibit unique piezoelectric properties over a wide range of temperature depending on the compositions. The materials may be formed directly from a melt, but their piezoelectric properties are strongly dependent on the annealing technique as well as on the poling process. Copolymer plates of 240, 500 μm in thickness have been fabricated. On the plates, small areas have been poled using the ISL cyclic process. Under shock loading up to 14 GPa, unique piezoelectric response is observed. Experimental results obtained in current mode are presented and discussed.