PZT/P(VDF-HFP) 0–3 composites as solvent-cast thin films: preparation, structure and piezoelectric properties

Composite films of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) were prepared as 100 µm thin films by solvent casting. Within the 0–3 composites, the ceramic-volume fraction was varied between 0.19 and 0.65, which yielded films with different structural and dielectric properties. These influenced the piezoelectric properties of the composite films found after electric poling, which was performed here at room temperature. The piezoelectric activity, with a maximum piezoelectric coefficient of 11 pC N −1 in the film-thickness direction, originates from the polarization of the embedded ceramic particles as proved by poling experiments in corona discharges as well as in direct contact.