Processing and Characterization of PVDF Films

Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) has excellent piezoelectric properties and used in applications such as sensors, actuators and switches. PVDF has several crystal phases of which the a-phase is most commonly obtained by melt processing. The b-phase, which has the required electrical properties, is obtained from the a-phase by cold drawing and electrical poling. The processing PVDF films by means of the blown film and cast film processes and their characterization will be reviewed. The drawing and poling of the films to obtain the b-phase with good piezo-electric properties will be discussed with reference to processing parameters. The role of nucleating agents to obtain the b-phase will be presented.