Multi layer spin-coating deposition of poly(vinylidene fluoride) films for controlling thickness and piezoelectric response

Poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, films have been processed by spin-coating with controlled thickness by multilayer film deposition. Films with thickness ranging from 300 nm to 25 mu m, beta-phase content up to 80%, piezoelectric coefficient d(33) up to similar to-20 pC/N and an optical transmittance in the visible range higher than 70%, were obtained with a one to three layer deposition process. The influence of the annealing temperature in the different layers is discussed as well as the possibility of obtaining functionally graded electroactive polymers though controlling spin-coating deposition parameters and thermal annealing of the different layers. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.