Network structure in poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) electrostrictive films

Recent studies of electron-irradiated copolymers of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene have demonstrated the potential for achieving a large electrostrictive response in these materials. Since the principal effect of the radiation is network formation, alternative methods of achieving improved electromechanical properties are available. In this letter, we use a two-solvent swelling technique to quantify the polymer-solvent interaction parameter for the copolymer networks. This enables determination of their crosslink densities, along with a measure of the degree of degradation accompanying radiolysis. Copolymer networks were then prepared chemically using organic peroxide. These networks were found to be similar to the radiation-crosslinked materials, both in the extent of degradation and with respect to the Curie temperature and crystalline melting behavior. The latter are crucial to the development of better electrostrictive properties.