Flexible BaTiO3-PDMS Composite Thin Films for Sensing Applications

In this paper, a simple fabrication technique for preparing flexible and robust thin films of piezoelectric composite has been reported. The fabrication process involves dispersing Barium titanate (BaTiO$_{3}\,)$ nanoparticles (NPs) in cross-linked (Polydimethylsiloxane) PDMS matrix. Corona poling of films is performed to increase the piezoelectric charge coefficient. The effect of BaTiO 3 concentration on piezoelectric and mechanical properties of the film has been investigated. A 40 wt% BaTiO 3 composite poled film demonstrates a piezoelectric coefficient of 72 pm/V with good flexibility. Good piezoelectric voltage response, and low stiffness of the prepared composite films show that they have potential to be used in flexible sensors such as tactile sensor, acoustic sensor. Also, these films offer low cost, bio compatibility, flexibility along with good piezoelectric properties.