High vinylidene-fluoride content P(VDF-TrFE) films for ultrasound transducers

A significant limitation for commercially available (non-voided) PVDF is its permanent degradation of piezoelectric properties when exposed to temperatures above approximately 65°C, and nearly complete loss of piezoelectric properties when exposed to temperatures above approximately 100°C. In addition, most commercially available P(VDF-TrFE) films have temperature limitations that rule out their use in transducers which require high temperature use or exposure (e.g., conventional medical autoclave sterilization). The purpose of this work was to investigate high-Curie temperature unoriented P(VDF-TrFE) films for their viability in ultrasound transducer applications