Thermal stability of polarization structures in corona-charged P(VDF-HFP) copolymer films

Abstract

The trapping of charge carriers in localized states on the surface of /spl beta/-crystallites in P(VDF-HFP) films has been studied by means of a novel voltage recovery technique. It has been found that a phase transition from /spl alpha/-non polar to the /spl delta/-polar configuration takes place under the process of charge injection. Using experimental measurements and appropriate analysis, we determine the energy distribution of the traps located near the /spl beta/-crystallites surfaces, and estimate the spatial dimensions of the molecular dipoles to be about 11-12 nm. The industrial application method was suggested in order to improve the thermal stability of charge and polarization in corona-charged copolymer films.