P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer acoustic emission sensors

Acoustic emission (AE) sensors have been fabricated using polarized polyvinylidene fluoride/trifluoroethylene (P(VDF-TrFE)) piezoelectric copolymer films. The acoustic and electromechanical properties of the copolymers have been determined using the ultrasonic immersion technique and the resonance technique, respectively. The P(VDF-TrFE) AE sensors have been calibrated according to the ASTM standard and evaluated for potential application in the detection of AE in glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (GFPP). A ceramic AE sensor also has been fabricated using lead zirconate titanate (PZT) 7A piezoelectric ceramic and its sensitivity and performance are reported as well. The copolymer sensors do not show resonance peaks of the ceramic sensor and have adequate sensitivity. They can reproduce AE signals accurately without giving artifacts and have potential use in commercial AE systems. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.