Abstract:
Methods and compositions are described for the preparation of piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composites having improved properties for application in piezoelectric devices. These composites consist of piezoelectric particles embedded in a polymer matrix. The improvements of this invention result from discoveries of the effects of particle size, particle size dispersity, volumetric loading levels, ceramic dielectric constant, and polymer dielectric constant on performance. Various improved devices based on these compositions are also described.
Abstract:
This invention relates to compositions and processes for the fabrication of piezoelectric composites having improved figures of merit for both sensor and non-sensor applications. These composites comprise piezoelectric particles embedded in a polymer matrix. The improvements of this invention result from discoveries of the effects of polymer bulk compliance, polymer anisotropy, polymer melt index, and polymer/ceramic wettability on performance. The loss corrected figure of merit (ghdh/tanδ) obtained for the 0-3 composites is as high as 10.5 x 10-10 m2/N, which is about four times higher than previously published for 0-3 composites of the prior art. Methods are described for the introduction of anisotropy into ceramic particle/polymer composites, so that cancellation effects that degrade the piezoelectric properties of composites can be reduced.
Abstract:
This invention relates to processes for the assembly of three-dimensional structures having periodicities on the scale of optical wavelengths, and at both smaller and larger dimensions, as well as compositions and applications therefore. Invention embodiments involve the self assembly of three-dimensionally periodic arrays of spherical particles, the processing of these arrays so that both infiltration and extraction processes can occur, one or more infiltration steps for these periodic arrays, and, in some instances, extraction steps. The product articles are three-dimensionally periodic on a scale where conventional processing methods cannot be used. Articles and materials made by these processes are useful as thermoelectrics and thermionics, electrochromic display elements, low dielectric constant electronic substrate materials, electron emitters (particularly for displays), piezoelectric sensors and actuators, electrostrictive actuators, piezochromic rubbers, gas storage materials, chromatographic separation materials, catalyst support materials, photonic bandgap materials for optical circuitry, and opalescent colorants for the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions.
Abstract:
Methods and compositions are described for the preparation of piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composites having improved properties for application in piezoelectric devices. These composites consist of piezoelectric particles embedded in a polymer matrix. The improvements of this invention result from discoveries of the effects of particle size, particle size dispersity, volumetric loading levels, ceramic dielectric constant, and polymer dielectric constant on performance. Various improved devices based on these compositions are also described.