Experimental investigation of electrode pattern design for PVDF response

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films widely used in many applications is due to its flexibility, good response and sensitivity. Electrode pattern is one of the primary factors that are influential to the performance of PVDF films. Different design of electrode pattern influences output response of PVDF. In addition, structure system which demonstrates input energy and output response has correlation with electrode pattern design. In this article, three types of PVDF films including unimorph, stack, and zig-zag, are investigated and compared. Bending moment imposing to a cantilever structure and force directly pressing onto the PVDF films structure are both concerned in experiment. From experimental results, both d₃₃ and d₃₁ piezoelectric charge constants show simultaneous response in consequence of a force applied onto PVDF films. Furthermore, d₃₁ response is larger than d₃₃ for both structures, which indicates d₃₁ constant contributes more response in PVDF films. This phenomenon is useful to define kind of structure system so that optimum response of PVDF films can be achieved.