Poling flexible piezoelectric composites

Abstract

Flexible piezoelectric composites made from PZT and polymer with 0–0–3 connectivity were fabricated using several types of Eccogel polymer. The conductivity of the composite is controlled by adding small amounts of a semiconductor filler such as carbon, germanium or silicon. By controlling conductivity, poling can be carried out very rapidly at low voltages, resulting in properties comparable to composites prepared without a conductive phase. For composites optimized for hydrophone performance, the hydrostatic voltage coefficient [gbar]_h and hydrostatic figure of merit [gbar]_h[dbar]_h are an order of magnitude larger than those of single phase PZT.