Ferroelectret polymers: new concepts for piezoelectric sensors and actuators
Non-destructive 3D space-charge and polarization tomography
Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals with ferroelectric host polymers
Microscopic mechanisms of charge storage in electret polymers
Photo- and thermally stimulated discharge currents
in charge-storing fluorinated and cycloolefin polymers
Current Research Projects
Dielectric barrier discharges in ferroelectret polymers:
Ferroelectrets (i.e., charged cellular polymers) are rendered
piezoelectric by means of barrier discharges inside the air-filled
voids. Unlike traditional piezoceramics, they are mechanically flexible
and can be manufactured to cover large areas. However, much remains to
be learned about the microscopic processes of charging and
charge-trapping.
Achieving this goal requires a multi-technique approach, combining
spectroscopic plasma diagnostics with space-charge mapping and
electromechanical characterization techniques.
Non-destructive 3D space-charge and polarization tomography:
The ability to accurately and non-destructively measure polarization
and space-charge
distributions is of prime importance in the research on electrets and
organic electronics.
Applications include the accumulation of space charge in high-voltage
cable insulations, the development and optimization of pyroelectric and
piezoelectric sensors, and
basic research into the mechanisms of charge storage in electret
polymers.
Contact Info
Axel Mellinger
Department of Physics
Central Michigan University
223 Dow Science Complex
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
USA