| Abstract: | The thermal and dielectric behavior of β-PVDF and a series of random P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers with various chemical composition has been investigated in the temperature range of their Curie transition. Dielectric relaxations and phase transitions were characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry and thermostimulated current spectroscopy. The thermal hysteresis associated with the first order character of the Curie transition decreases as the TrFE content increases, and vanishes for P(VDF-TrFE) 50/50. For the latter, the distribution in lamellar thickness and the dependence of the conformational order in the ferroelectric phase upon thermal history yield an intricate thermal behavior. For the overall investigated polymers, the TSC mode associated with the ferro/para-electric transition is described by a distribution in relaxation times obeying a compensation law. This behavior has been interpreted based on cooperative movements in the ferroelectric phase in the vicinity of the transition temperature. These molecular movements are precursors of the transition. It is valid for β-PVDF, as well as for P(VDF-TrFE) copolymers which for the compensation temperature corresponds to the transition temperature. So, the Curie temperature of PVDF has been found at 170°C, i.e. the melting point. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
