Study on piezoelectric properties of near-field electrospinning PVDF/MWCNT nano-fiber

Abstract

In this study, near-field electrospinning (NFES) was used to fabricate PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) piezoelectric nano-fibers mixed with additional multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Both mechanical strength and piezoelectric characteristics of a single nano-fiber were discussed. NFES technology can be used to fabricate PVDF piezoelectric fibers with an excellent piezoelectric property. By adjusting velocity of a x-y stage, DC voltage, and the distance between the needle and collector, the morphology and polarization intensity of piezoelectric fiber can be controlled. In addition, the optimal parameters of PVDF solution such as weight percentage of PVDF powder and MWCNT were also discussed. From the observation of XRD (X-ray diffraction), it reveals a high diffraction peak at 2θ=20.8° of piezoelectric crystal β-phase structure with PVDF/MWCNT spherical composite structures in fibers. Actuation property of fixed-fixed single PVDF fiber structure was tested using DC voltage supply, and the fiber has significant deflection in the experiment. The vertical deflection can be observed and compared with model solution.