Electromechanical characterization of piezoelectric PVDF polymer films for tactile sensors in robotics applications

In this paper an experimental setup and experimental procedures which allow a fast and complete characterization of piezoelectric films continuously over the 1 Hz-1 kHz frequency range are reported. Some results related to PVDF electro-mechanical characterization are also presented. This work is intended as the first step for the electro-mechanical design of innovative integrated transductions systems for tactile sensors in robotic applications. The article concludes with a summary and a discussion of future investigations. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier B.V.