On-demand fabrication of piezoelectric sensors for in-space structural health monitoring
Abstract Inflatable structures, promising for future deep space exploration missions, are vulnerable to damage from micrometeoroid and orbital debris impacts. Polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-trFE) is a flexible, biocompatible, and chemical-resistant material capable of detecting impact forces due to its piezoelectric properties. This study used a state-of-the-art material extrusion system that has been validated for in-space manufacturing, to facilitate fast-prototyping of consistent and uniform PVDF-trFE films. By systematically investigating ink synthesis, printer settings, and post-processing conditions, this research established a comprehensive understanding of the process-structure-property relationship of printed PVDF-trFE. Consequently, this study consistently achieved the printing of PVDF-trFE films with a thickness of around 40 µ m, accompanied by an impressive piezoelectric coefficient of up to 25 pC N −1 . Additionally, an all-printed dynamic force sensor, featuring a sensitivity of 1.18 V N −1 , was produced by mix printing commercial electrically-conductive silver inks with the customized PVDF-trFE inks. This pioneering on-demand fabrication technique for PVDF-trFE films empowers future astronauts to design and manufacture piezoelectric sensors while in space, thereby significantly enhancing the affordability and sustainability of deep space exploration missions.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Grant/Contract Number:
- NONE; AC07-05ID14517
- OSTI ID:
- 2341374
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 2335975
- Journal Information:
- Smart Materials and Structures, Journal Name: Smart Materials and Structures Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 33; ISSN 0964-1726
- Publisher:
- IOP PublishingCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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