Laboratory investigation reveals that simulated space conditions erode PVDF films while preserving their core piezoelectric properties, suggesting durability for orbital applications.
The effects of atomic oxygen (AO) and vacuum UV radiation simulating low Earth orbit conditions on two commercially available piezoelectric polymer films, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) P(VDF‐TrFE), have been studied. Surface erosion and pattern development are significant for both polymers. Erosion yields were determined as 2.8 × 10 −24 cm 3 /atom for PVDF and 2.5 × 10 −24 cm 3 /atom for P(VDF‐TrFE). The piezoelectric properties of the residual material of both polymers were largely unchanged after exposure, although a slight shift in the Curie transition of the P(VDF‐TrFE) was observed. A lightly cross‐linked network was formed in the copolymer presumably because of penetrating vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation, while the homopolymer remained uncross‐linked. These differences were attributed to varying degrees of crystallinity and potentially greater absorption, and hence damage, of VUV radiation in P(VDF‐TrFE) compared with PVDF.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Dargaville et al. (2005) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: