Pyroelectric Properties of PVDF:MWCNT Nanocomposite Film for Uncooled Infrared Detectors and Medical Applications

The biocompatible and flexible polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has a number of interesting pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties with fast, dynamic response for use in touch/tactile sensors, infrared detectors and thermal vidicon/imaging devices. Pyroelectric multi-walled carbon nano-tubes:polyvinylidene fluoride nano-composite films were fabricated via the solution casting technique. The dielectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric characteristics of composite films were measured. Using foregoing parameters, figures-of-merit for infrared detectors, and thermal-vidicons were calculated. The results indicated figures-of-merit of the composite film that were higher than pristine polyvinylidene fluoride film. The potential applications of composite films in medical devices are also discussed.