Pyroelectric Properties of PVDF:MWCNT Nanocomposite Film for Uncooled Infrared Detectors

Matthew E. Edwards, Ashok K. Batra, Ashwith K. Chilvery, Padmaja Guggilla, Michael Curley, Mohan D. Aggarwal

Department of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Alabama A&M University, Normal, AL 35762, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/msa.2012.312124                

Abstract

Pyroelectric multi-walled carbon nanotubes:polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF:MWCT) composite films have been fabriccated by the solution casting technique. The pyroelectric and dielectric properties of the composite films were examined for their use in uncooled infrared detectors. The properties measured include: 1) dielectric constants and 2) pyroelec- tric coefficient as a function of temperature. From the foregoing parameters, materials Figures-of-merit, for infrared detection and thermal-vidicons, were calculated. The results indicated Figures-of-merit of composite film were higher than pristine polyvinylidene fluoride films.

Keywords

Pyroelectric IR Detectors; Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes; Pyroelectric Properties

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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