Improvement of the piezoelectric, thermal, structural properties of PMMA/PVdF-HFP blend composite films using PZT

Abstract

Energy harvesting is the most efficient way to meet energy demand while also supplying renewable energy sources from the environment. This technology consists of recovering of electrical energy from lost energy sources, which are available everywhere, including heat, fluids, vibrations, etc. In particular, energy harvesting via piezoelectric materials, which can convert the energy of vibrations and mechanical deformations into electrical energy, has been the subject in the last decade. This energy is used in a variety of applications, including energy collectors, sensors, and actuators, among others. This study concerns the improvement and enhancement of the properties of Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Synthesized PMMA was blended with Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP), and Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticles at various composition ratios using solvent casting technique in Tetrahydrofuran (THF). Improvement of properties has confirmed by POM, SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and tensile testing.