Development of Stretchable PZT/PDMS Nanocomposite Film with CNT Electrode

The piezoelectric composite film of ferroelectric PZT ceramic ($PbZr_xTi_{1-x}O_3$) and polymer (PDMS, Polydimethylsiloxane) was prepared to improve the flexibility of piezoelectric material. The bar coating method was applied to fabricate flexible nanocomposite film with large surface area by low cost process. In the case of using metal electrode on the composite film, although there is no problem by bending process, the electrode is usually broken away from the film by stretching process. However, the well-attached, flexible CNT electrode on PZT/PDMS film improved flexibility, especially stretchability. PZT particles was usually settled down into polymer matrix due to gravity of the weighty particle, so to improve the dispersion of PZT powder in polymer matrix, small amount of additives (CNT powder, Carbon nanotube powder) was physically mixed with the matrix. By stretching the film, an output voltage of PZT(70 wt%)/PDMS with CNT (0.5 wt%) was measured.