Work

Innovative Elaboration of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Thin Films via Dip-Coating: Beta Phase Optimization, Humidity Control, Nanoparticles Addition, and Topographic Analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a multifunctional polymer renowned for its unique electrical, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties, making it an attractive candidate for various applications. Although the spin-coating method has been the conventional method for fabricating PVDF thin films, this work is the first to apply the dip-coating technique with humidity control, which is a largely unexplored method in the literature on PVDF thin films. This novel approach offers great prospects for improved control and performance adjustments, as well as expanding the range of film deposition procedures. Here, we examine the phase composition of PVDF thin films; adjust different parameters to optimize the electroactive phases fraction, especially the Beta phase; and examine how relative humidity affects the properties of the film. Moreover, we test the impact of different nanoparticles’ addition on the phases fraction and characteristics of the film. Furthermore, we analyze the topography of the resultant films using several approaches, providing fresh insights into their structural features.

Source: Micro

DOI: 10.3390/micro5010012

Authors: Marwan Fakhry, Olivier Soppera, Dominique Berling

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Haute-Alsace, Institut de Sciences des Matériaux de Mulhouse, Université de Strasbourg

Language: English

Topic: Dielectric materials and actuators

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207

Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche