Abstract: A piezoelectric composite comprising (a) an olefin copolymer and (b) a plurality of piezoelectric filler particles is disclosed. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric filler particles can be dispersed in the olefin copolymer. Also disclosed are films containing such piezoelectric composites and methods of preparing such films.

Abstract: A polymer composite exhibiting piezoelectric properties can be formed for flexible and/or thin film applications, in which the polymer composite includes a polymer matrix and a piezoelectric ceramic filler embedded in the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix may include at least two polymers: a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer may be a fluorinated polymer, and the second polymer may be compatible with the first polymer and have a dielectric constant of less than approximately 20. The piezoelectric ceramic filler may be a lead-free ceramic filler, such as barium titanate, and be approximately 40-70% by volume of the polymer composite. The remaining 30-60% by volume may be the polymer matrix, which may itself be approximately 5-20% by weight second polymer and 80-95% fluorinated polymer.

Abstract: A polymer composite exhibiting piezoelectric properties can be formed for flexible and/or thin film applications, in which the polymer composite includes a polymer matrix and a piezoelectric ceramic filler embedded in the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix may include at least two polymers: a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer may be a fluorinated polymer, and the second polymer may be compatible with the first polymer and have a dielectric constant of less than approximately 20. The piezoelectric ceramic filler can be lithium doped potassium sodium niobite (KNLN), and be approximately 40-70% by volume of the polymer composite. The remaining 30-60% by volume may be the polymer matrix, which may itself be approximately 5-20% by weight second polymer and 80-95% fluorinated polymer.

Abstract: A dielectric polymeric composition comprising a polymeric matrix comprising structural units derived from a polymerizable vinyl monomer; an ionic liquid comprising an organic cation and a balancing anion, wherein the ionic liquid is miscible or partially miscible with the polymerizable vinyl monomer, and wherein the concentration of ionic liquid in dielectric polymeric composition ranges from 0.5 to 30 wt. %; and less than 10 ppm of unreacted polymerizable vinyl monomer, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein an amount of unreacted polymerizable vinyl monomer in the composition is measured via HPLC. The polymeric matrix further comprises structural units derived from a polymerizable co-monomer comprising a functional group that has the ability to form hydrogen bonds within the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Methods of producing lead-free piezoelectric composites are described. The method can include adding a lead-free piezoelectric additive to a solution that includes a solvent and polymer solubilized therein. The solvent can have i) a boiling point ?80° C. at 0.1 MPa and ii) a solubility in water of ?0.1 g/g and/or a dielectric constant ?20. The solvent can be removed to form a polymeric matrix having the lead-free piezoelectric particles dispersed therein. Electrical treatment of the polymeric matrix can form the piezoelectric component. Lead-free piezoelectric composites and devices that include the lead-free piezoelectric composites are also described.

Abstract: Lead-free piezoelectric composites and methods of making and uses thereof are described. The lead-free piezoelectric composites have high flexibility and high piezoelectric properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite comprising: a polymer matrix formed from one or more of a monomer or a precursor polymer; and an in-situ dispersion of a piezoelectric ceramic filler and an ionic additive within the polymer matrix, wherein the composite exhibits a d33 of at least 1 pC/N when measured using a piezoelectric meter. Disclosed also herein are methods of forming the composite.

Abstract: A dielectric polymeric composition comprising a polymeric matrix comprising structural units derived from a polymerizable vinyl monomer; an ionic liquid comprising an organic cation and a balancing anion, wherein the ionic liquid is miscible or partially miscible with the polymerizable vinyl monomer, and wherein the concentration of ionic liquid in dielectric polymeric composition ranges from 0.5 to 30 wt. %; and less than 10 ppm of unreacted polymerizable vinyl monomer, based on the total weight of the composition, wherein an amount of unreacted polymerizable vinyl monomer in the composition is measured via HPLC. The polymeric matrix further comprises structural units derived from a polymerizable co-monomer comprising a functional group that has the ability to form hydrogen bonds within the polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A dielectric polymer, methods of making the dielectric polymer, and uses thereof (e.g. piezoelectric sensors and/or actuators) are described. The dielectric polymer includes a polymeric matrix (e.g. a copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile SAN, or a terpolymer of the former with methyl methacrylate MMA-SAN) derived from at least one polymerizable vinyl monomer and an ionic liquid that includes an organic cation and a balancing anion (e.g. 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate BMMMPF6). The ionic liquid is compatible with the at least one polymerizable vinyl monomer and the concentration of the ionic liquid in the dielectric polymeric composition ranges from 0.5 wt. % to less than 30 wt. %.

Abstract: A heat-resistant material based on an amorphous thermoplastic polymer that is resistant to, but highly compatible with electrolyte solutions is disclosed. In an aspect, the heat-resistant material is used to form a separator for a battery cell and/or an electrolytic capacitor cell.