Piezoelectricity of porous polytetrafluoroethylene single- and multiple-film electrets containing high charge densities of both polarities

Single-film bipolar electrets of porous polytetrafluoroethylene are generated by means of a two-step corona-charging process at elevated temperatures. Quasi-static direct piezoelectric coefficients of up to 0.15 nC/N have been observed on these films. In addition, multiple-layer stacks of porous and non-porous polytetrafluoroethylene films with monopolar charge were also investigated. While the piezoelectric responses of the stacks were not as high as those of the single films, the multiple-film arrangements may have other advantages such as better electrical shielding or tunable mechanical properties and adjustable acoustical impedance; Our new results are discussed in the context of the emerging field of porous polymer electrets with many potential device applications.