Role of Nanoparticle Surface Charge on the Nucleation of the Electroactive β-Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanocomposites for Sensor and Actuator Applications

The electroactive beta-phase of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) can be nucleated by introducing CoFe2O4 nanoparticles within the polymer matrix, leading to electroactive materials with large potential for sensor and actuator applications. The effects of the CoFe2O4 nanoparticle electrostatic charge on the phase crystallization of PVDF polymer is reported. For this purpose, CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were coated with anionic (SDS), nonanionic (Triton X-100), and cationic (CTAB) surfactants, and the obtained coated nanoparticles were used as fillers. It is found that the piezoelectric beta-form of the polymer increases when CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with higher negative electrostatic charge are added. This behavior is attributed to the interaction between the negatively charged magnetic particles and the polymer CH2 groups, having a positive charge density. Further the relationship between the beta-phase content and the piezoelectric response has been demonstrated. The magnetostriction of the ferrite nanoparticles and the proven piezoelectricity of the polymer allows the use of the material in piezoelectric and magnetoelectric sensors or/and actuators.