Three-layer piezoelectrets from fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) copolymer films

A process for preparing three-layer piezoelectrets from fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) copolymer films is introduced. Samples are made from commercial FEP films by means of laser cutting, laser bonding, electrode evaporation, and high-field poling. The observed dielectric-resonance spectra demonstrate the piezoelectricity of the FEP sandwiches. Piezoelectric d ₃₃ coefficients up to a few hundred pC/N are achieved. Charging at elevated temperatures can increase the thermal stability of the piezoelectrets. Isothermal experiments for approximately 15 min demonstrate that samples charged at 140°C keep their piezoelectric activity up to at least 120°C and retain 70% of their initial d ₃₃ even at 130°C. Acoustical measurements show a relatively flat frequency response in the range between 300 Hz and 20 kHz.