History and recent progress in piezoelectric polymers.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• Electrets made from carnauba wax and resin show stable trapped charges for 50 years.
• Pyro-, piezo-, and ferroelectricity in polymers are attributed to dipolar orientation and trapped charges.
• Early investigations in the 1950s explored shear piezoelectricity in biological and synthetic polymers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of piezoelectric polymers.
• To highlight recent advancements in the field of piezoelectric polymers.
• To discuss the applications of piezoelectric polymers in various devices.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical research and publications on piezoelectric polymers.
• Analysis of studies on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers.
• Examination of recent developments in submicron films and polyurethane-based piezoelectricity.

Main Results:

• The discovery of piezoelectricity in poled polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in 1969 spurred extensive research.
• Various polar polymers, including PVDF copolymers, vinylcyanide/vinylacetate copolymers, and nylons, exhibit piezoelectric properties.
• Recent work focuses on submicron films of polyureas and piezoelectricity in polyurethane.

Conclusions:

• Piezoelectric polymers have a rich history dating back to the 1950s.
• Significant progress has been made since the discovery of PVDF's piezoelectricity.
• Ongoing research continues to expand the applications of piezoelectric polymers in electromechanical devices.