PVDF and pan-based piezoelectric nanocomposite fibers integrated on fiber composites for improved vibration energy harvesting rates

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Authors
Todmal, Purva
Advisors
Asmatulu, Ramazan
Issue Date
2024-07
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Thesis
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Abstract

This research explores the development and characterization of electrospun nanofibers integrated with fiber reinforced composites for effective vibration energy harvesting applications. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanocomposite fibers were fabricated using electrospinning with piezoelectric inclusions such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), barium titanate (BaTiO3), and zinc oxide (ZnO) to enhance their piezoelectric properties. The nanofibers were then integrated into 'open' and 'sandwich' composite configurations using glass, Kevlar, and carbon fiber prepregs. The energy harvesting tests showed that the PVDF+2 wt% BaTiO3 composite with glass prepregs in the open configuration exhibited the highest performance, achieving 22.4 V and 0.00853 W/m². PAN composites peaked at 13.6 V for PAN+2 wt% PZT with carbon prepregs, with a power density of 0.00315 W/m². Among the 'sandwich' composites, PVDF+4 wt% BaTiO3 with glass prepregs achieved 15.8 V and 0.00567 W/m², while PAN+4 wt% PZT with carbon prepregs reached 10.2 V and 0.00324 W/m². The 'sandwich' configuration generally showed lower performance due to reduced exposure of the piezoelectric fibers. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the β-phase in PVDF, essential for piezoelectric properties, with significant peaks around 840 cm⁻¹, 1070 cm⁻¹, and 1170 cm⁻¹. FTIR also highlighted the structural integrity of PAN fibers, showing prominent nitrile stretching peaks at 2240-2260 cm⁻¹. PVDF nanofibers exhibited diameters ranging from 0.276 μm to 0.721 μm, while PVDF+4 wt% BaTiO3 fibers ranged from 0.377 μm to 2.456 μm, indicating substantial variability due to the inclusion aggregation. The PAN+4 wt% PZT fibers showed more uniform diameters ranging from 0.106 μm to 0.468 μm. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing nanofiber integrated composites for energy harvesting.

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Thesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
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Wichita State University
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