Novel Piezoelectric Polyimides

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis research focuses on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of novel high performance piezoelectric polymers. A series of polyimides containing pendant, polar trifluoro (-CF 3) and nitrile (-CN) groups have been synthesized, electroded and poled. Measurements of the piezoelectric sensor response are presented to demonstrate the relationship between dipole concentration and the level of piezoelectricity for these materials. An understanding of the effect of dipole concentration on piezoelectric properties will enable the molecular design of polymers possessing distinct improvements over state of the art piezoelectric polymers including enhanced polarizability, polarization stability at elevated temperatures, and increased mechanical integrity.