A Coupled Electro-Mechanical Homogenization-Based Model for PVDF-Based Piezo-Composites Considering α → β Phase...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a piezoelectric polymer with tunable electro-mechanical properties.
• These properties can be enhanced by incorporating polarized inorganic particles and inducing phase transitions.
• Understanding composite behavior under deformation is crucial for material design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a constitutive model for PVDF-based piezo-composites.
• To investigate the combined effects of particle reinforcement, phase transition, and interfacial debonding.
• To analyze the influence of barium titanate (BaTiO3) concentration on electro-mechanical properties.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a continuum-based micromechanical framework.
• Developed a constitutive representation for PVDF-based piezo-composites.
• Applied the model to experimental data of PVDF filled with BaTiO3 particles.

Main Results:

• The micromechanics model accurately represents PVDF-based piezo-composites.
• Identified and verified the model's predictability.
• Quantified the separate and synergistic effects of BaTiO3 reinforcement and deformation on electro-mechanical properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides insights into the electro-mechanical behavior of PVDF-based piezo-composites.
• Demonstrated the significant role of BaTiO3 particles and phase transitions in modulating material properties.
• The study offers a foundation for designing advanced piezoelectric materials.