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Evaluation of piezoelectric PVDF polymers for use in space environments. Part II, Effects of atomic oxygen and vacuum UV exposure.

Journal Article · · Proposed for publication in Journal of Polymer Science B: Polymer Physics.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/polb.20549· OSTI ID:990075

The effects of atomic oxygen (AO) and vacuum UV radiation simulating low Earth orbit conditions on two commercially available piezoelectric polymer films, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) P(VDF-TrFE), have been studied. Surface erosion and pattern development are significant for both polymers. Erosion yields were determined as 2.8 x 10{sup -24} cm{sup 3}/atom for PVDF and 2.5 x 10{sup -24} cm{sup 3}/atom for P(VDF-TrFE). The piezoelectric properties of the residual material of both polymers were largely unchanged after exposure, although a slight shift in the Curie transition of the P(VDF-TrFE) was observed. A lightly cross-linked network was formed in the copolymer presumably because of penetrating vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation, while the homopolymer remained uncross-linked. These differences were attributed to varying degrees of crystallinity and potentially greater absorption, and hence damage, of VUV radiation in P(VDF-TrFE) compared with PVDF.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
990075
Report Number(s):
SAND2005-2159J
Journal Information:
Proposed for publication in Journal of Polymer Science B: Polymer Physics., Journal Name: Proposed for publication in Journal of Polymer Science B: Polymer Physics. Journal Issue: 18 Vol. 43; ISSN 1099-0488; ISSN 0887-6266
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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