Effect of ferroelectric filler nanoarchitectonics on the electrical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite thick films of polyvinylidene fluoride and lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate in 0–3 connectivity

This study explores the effects of filler concentrations of lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) on the electrical and mechanical characteristics of nanocomposite thick film. Crystal structure and morphology of the thick film have been studied using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. It has been noted that adding PLZT nanoparticles to the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix modifies the physical properties of PVDF. In the nanocomposite film, the most prominent polar β phase has been identified at 6 mol% of PLZT filler. In all the films, a nearly homogenous grain distribution has been observed. Frequency-dependent dielectric, conductivity, and impedance of the sample were studied at room temperature. Maximum electric dipole polarization of 0.68 μC/cm2 and piezoelectric (d33) constant of 48 pC/N have been observed at 6 mol% of PLZT filler in the PVDF matrix. Indeed, it has been observed that the (0.94)PVDF–(0.06)PLZT nanocomposite film is well suited for applications such as nanogenerators, structural health monitoring systems, and various kinds of sensors and actuators.