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Piezoelectric polymers have many applications,from vibration dampening to electricity generation. Traditionally people deposit metal electrodes on the polymers to take advantage of the piezoelectric effect. Yet metal electrodes are rigid and hinder their response. In our lab we have improved methods of applying electrodes to the piezoelectric polymer Poly(vinylidene fluoride), CH2CF2, also called PVDF. Recent improvements in conductive polymers, specifically PEDOT/PSS, has enabled us to use it as electrode material. The polymer electrodes provide much better response for things made out of PVDF such as bimorphs and actuators One problem encountered is that metals are much more conductive than the PEDOT/PSS. We are conducting theoretical work to see what effect this has on things created of PVDF. We are also trying to accurately predict the response of PVDF bimorphs using methods such as finite element analysis.

Updated: April 12, 2013 11:43