Structural, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of 0-3 PZT/PVDF composites

Piezoelectric composite films of ([PZT](x)/[PVDF](1-x)) with 0-3 connectivity were prepared using a solution cast technique. The films with different volume fractions of PZT ceramics in the morphotropic phase boundary were prepared in the form of thin films for the optimized thermal processing conditions. It is seen that the increase in the content of PZT ceramic in the PVDF matrix not only increases the dielectric constant of the composites but also enhances the beta phase in the PVDF polymer, thereby resulting in the overall improved dielectric and piezoelectric behavior of the system. The as-synthesized films exhibited superior dielectric and piezoelectric properties than reported in the literature. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.