Phase Transformation and Shock Sensor Response of Additively Manufactured Piezoelectric PVDF

Recently the authors discovered the ability to print electroactive PVDF using a modified FDM printer. This paper discusses the results from investigating the phase change during printing using FTIR and DSC measurements. FTIR and DSC data were collected on the filament before the print, the printed filament without an applied electric field and the printed filament with a 30MV/m field applied during the print. The results show a definitive phase change during the print and indicate that the alpha phase of the PVDF was significantly modified. The FTIR results do not indicate a significant change in the beta phase of the polymer which is the dominant electroactive phase. Therefore it is likely that the bulk amorphous polymer phases have been aligned in the process. The response of the printed and poled PVDF demonstrates piezoelectric behavior when subjected to impulse indicating the potential use of the modified printing process to produce sensors.