Piezoelectric properties of vinylidene fluoride oligomer for use in medical tactile sensor applications

The piezoelectric effect of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) oligomer was evaluated with respect to its medical use as a new tactile sensor. VDF oligomer is a new substance that has a smaller number of VDF units and a lower molecular weight than poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF); among the organic ferroelectrics, it has the largest reported remanent polarization. In this work, the performance of a prototype sensor device based on this material was evaluated. The piezoelectric coefficient of VDF oligomer was found to be greater than that of P(VDF/TrFE) copolymer; a film composed of VDF oligomer was thin and uniform. Based on the experimental results, possible applications of VDF oligomer in medical tactile sensors are discussed. This study confirms that VDF oligomer is a promising ferroelectric material for use in tactile sensors.