Electric field induced conversion in the nature of the phase transition from the first order to the second order for Langmuir-Boldgett polymer films

Ferroelectric and dielectric properties of the copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene films derived from the Langmuir-Blodgett technology have been investigated at different temperatures. The influence of the dc electric field on the phase transition is emphasized and the results show that the phase transition temperature increases with increasing applied electric field. Simultaneously, the nature of the phase transition converts from the first order to the second order when the applied electric field is high enough. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.