Interfacial durability and acoustical properties of transparent graphene nano platelets/poly (vinylidene fluoride) composite actuators

• Interfacial durability and electrical properties were investigated for actuators.
• The graphene nano platelets (GnP) exhibited better electrical conductivity.
• GnP nanocomposite coatings exhibited good acoustical properties.

Interfacial durability and electrical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT), indium tin oxide (ITO) or graphene nano platelets (GnP) coated poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites were investigated for use in acoustic actuator applications. The GnP coated PVDF nanocomposite exhibited better electrical conductivity than either CNT or ITO, due to the unique electrical properties of GnP. GnP nanocomposite coatings also exhibited good acoustical properties. Contact angle, surface energy, work of adhesion, and spreading coefficient measurements were used to explore the interfacial adhesion durability between neat CNT (or plasma treated CNT) and plasma treated PVDF. The acoustic actuation performance of GnP coated PVDF nanocomposites was investigated for different radii of curvature and different coating conditions, using a sound level meter. GnP is considered to be a more appropriate acoustic actuator than either CNT or ITO because of its characteristic electrical properties. A radius of curvature of about 15° was established as being most appropriate. Sound characteristics differed with varying coating thicknesses. The results of this study suggest that it should be possible to manufacture transparent actuators with good sound quality.