Search results

The mechanical properties of the pure as well as vanadium modified BaBi₂Nb₂O₉ ceramics have been studied in macro and nano-scales using three different methods. Specifically for macro-scale, ultrasonic velocity and internal friction were employed to evaluate the Young modulus (E), whereas for nano-scale the nanoindentation method was a very useful tool to obtain the elastic modulus and hardness. These results reveal the strong influence of vanadium admixture on mechanical properties of the discussed material. In the case of modified ceramics the value of Young modulus increases, which is probably connected with the decreasing of the number of defects. Moreover, the described results show the significant differences in mechanical properties measured on nano and macro-scale. It is concluded that the knowledge of the mechanical properties of the ceramic material is complete only when we take into account both the macro and nano-scale.

Gaining the precise control over the matter at the nanometre scale is the main leitmotif in a majority of nanoscience oriented research measurements nowadays. The availability of new advanced tools, as a nanoindentation technique, for evaluation of the mechanical properties, seems to be prerequisite for exploitation of the dramatic development in nanoscience and meeting the emerging needs of the industries in new electronic applications. The nanoindentation technique was applied to evaluate the elastic modulus and hardness values as a function of indentation depth. However, in the presented experiment the nanoscale mechanical properties of BaBi₂Nb₂O₉ ceramics have been characterized and compared with the macroscale measurements with macroscale method with the implementation of ultrasound techniques. A draw conclusion indicates that expensive nanoscale characterisation presented here is not fully consisted with the microscale. The reasons of such state of things are widely discussed.

This paper aims to present the details of isotactic polypropylene (it-PP) films with a cellular structure (air-cavities) dedicated to pressure sensors. The polymer composites (thin films enriched with 5 and 10 wt% of mineral fillers as Sillikolloid P 87 and glass beads) should exhibit suitable structural elasticity within specific stress ranges. After the deformation force is removed, the sensor material must completely restore its original shape and size.

Estimating the stiffness tensor element (C₃₃) for polymer films (nonpolar space-charge electrets) by broadband resonance ultrasound spectroscopy is a relatively simple method of determining the safe stress range generated in thin pressure sensors. Therefore, ultrasonic and piezoelectric studies were carried out on four composite it-PP films. First, the longitudinal velocity (v_L) of ultrasonic waves passing through the it-PP film in the z-direction (thickness) was evaluated from the ω-position of mechanical resonance of the so-called insertion loss function. In turn, the d₃₃ coefficient was calculated from accumulated piezoelectric charge density response to mechanical stress.

Research is at an early stage; however, it can be seen that the mechanical orientation of the it-PP film improves its piezoelectric properties. Moreover, the three-year electric charge stability of the it-PP film seems promising.

Ultrasonic spectroscopy can be successfully handled as a validation method in the small-lot production of polymer films with the air-cavities structure intended for pressure sensors. The structural repeatability of polymer films is strongly related to a homogeneous distribution of the electric charge on the electret surface.