Strain gradient induced electric polarization in alpha-phase polyvinylidene fluoride films under bending conditions

TL;DR

This study investigates how bending-induced strain gradients in alpha-phase PVDF films generate electric polarization, revealing a linear relationship and strong flexoelectric response, with implications for flexible electronic applications.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence of the linear proportionality between strain gradient and electric polarization in PVDF, highlighting the distinct mechanisms of flexoelectricity in polymers.

Findings

Flexoelectric polarization is linearly proportional to strain gradient.

The flexoelectric response in PVDF is strong.

Different mechanisms underlie flexoelectric effects in polymers versus solid dielectrics.

Abstract

The relationship between the applied elastic strain gradient and the induced electric polarization in the alpha-phase polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films under bending conditions has been investigated. Our experimental studies have shown that the flexoelectric polarization is linearly proportional to the strain gradient and the corresponding direct flexoelectric response is strong. It is reasonable to believe that the physical mechanisms behind the flexoelectric effects in polymers and solid dielectrics are different.