Microstructuring of Piezoelectric Polyvinylidene Fluoride Films Using Pulsed Laser Radiation

Abstract

We study the methods for modifying and microstructuring polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films using nanosecond and femtosecond laser pulses in order to form functional microstructures on the surface and in the near-surface layer. It is shown that microstructuring by femtosecond pulses makes it possible to ensure high resolution and minimal thermal impact on the material. The advantage of using nanosecond radiation is the possibility of rapid microstructuring over large areas, which makes this method attractive for industrial applications, with the resolution not reaching high values. We have found regimes that allow one to form structures in the near-surface layer without damaging the film surface, as well as to produce structures with an increased content of atomic carbon. The results of Raman spectroscopy show that in the regions of strong laser action there is a significant change in the conformational composition of the films, including a decrease in ferroactive conformations and a transition to the paraelectric state, which, in turn, affects the piezoelectric properties. The proposed methods for laser modification of PVDF films can be used to develop new microsensors, which opens up new horizons in the field of application of electroactive materials in various high-tech industries.