PVDF Piezoelectric Sensors on 3D low-Melting Point Substrates: a Preliminary Study on Paper

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric sensors were manufactured on a paper-based substrate using Aerosol Jet Printing to print silver interdigitated electrodes and the photopolymer NOA 81 to obtain restraining walls for PVDF. Silver traces were sintered thanks to Flash Lamp Annealing, a low-thermal exposure process to avoid damages to the paper substrate. The samples were printed on a 3D cellulose-based substrate. Electrical capacitance measurements showed a mean value of 2.58 pF after Ag printing, to a mean value of 4.07 pF after PVDF deposition and poling. Different masses were employed, ranging from 50 to 500 g, during tests assessing a linear behavior of the sensors when loaded. A maximum voltage peak value of 11.9 V was reached at a mass of 500 g. These preliminary results appear to be promising for the realization of a complete paper-based impact/force sensor to be applied in packaging.