Properties of PCLT/P(VDF-TrFE) 0-3 nanocomposites

Calcium and lanthanum modified lead titanate (PCLT) powder with size in the nanometer range was prepared using a sol gel technique. PCLT powder anneal ed at 850 degrees C was incorporated into a polyvinylidene fluoride/trifluo roethylene P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer matrix to form 0.15 mm thick films of 0-3 nanocomposites with ceramic volume fraction (phi) ranging from 0.05 to 0.33 . The dielectric and pyroelectric properties of the composites were measure d as functions of temperature. The observed permittivity and dielectric los s were found to agree with the predictions of the Bruggeman model. When the ceramic and copolymer phases in these nanocomposites are poled in the same direction, the pyroelectric activities of the two phases reinforce while t he piezoelectric activities partially cancel, thereby minimizing the vibrat ion-induced electrical noise in pyroelectric current measurements.