Date of Award
8-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering (Holcomb Dept. of)
Committee Chair/Advisor
Goutam Koley
Committee Member
Dr. William R. Harrell
Committee Member
Dr. Judson Ryckman
Committee Member
Dr. Apparao Rao
Abstract
The growing demand for flexible, low-power, and self-powered wearable electronic systems has accelerated research interest in polymer-based sensors and energy harvesting technologies. Among piezoelectric polymer materials, Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoro ethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)], over the years, has garnered significant attention due to its unique piezoelectric properties, high dielectric constant, mechanical flexibility, thermal stability, chemical resistance, biocompatibility and compatibility with scalable fabrication processes. Despite its advantages, conventional P(VDF-TrFE)-based devices often require external poling and face limitations in integration with low-cost, flexible substrates. To overcome these limitations, this research study explores the nanofiller approach, along with facile fabrication processes, and structural design strategies aimed at achieving self-powered sensing and energy harvesting without the need for any complex poling procedures. This dissertation also investigates the enhancement of multifunctional device performance through the development of nanofiller-modified P(VDF-TrFE) composite thin films for hybrid sensing platforms using same P(VDF-TrFE) material .
This dissertation work presents a self-polarized piezoelectric composite thin film achieved through electrostatic interactions between P(VDF-TrFE) and carbon black nanoparticles. This configuration facilitates spontaneous dipole alignment and simplifies device fabrication, offering a promising solution for energy harvesting platforms. This also focuses on a piezoresistive pressure sensor based on the same composite formulation. The piezoresistive composite sensor is optimized for flexibility, repeatability, and high sensitivity under low-pressure conditions, making it suitable for applications in wearable health monitoring, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces. This study also demonstrates a tri-layer energy harvester that incorporates a PDMS/carbon black interfacial layer. This layer promotes electrostatic dipole alignment in the P(VDF-TrFE) film, enabling enhanced energy conversion efficiency while maintaining mechanical conformity and simplicity of construction. Finally, this dissertation work will discuss the major findings and future direction of this project.
Together, these studies provide a comprehensive approach to advancing the design and function of polymer-based flexible electronics. By leveraging material synergies and interface engineering, this dissertation contributes to the development of scalable, poling-free, and cost-effective sensing systems. The methodologies and insights presented herein offer significant potential for future applications in wearable electronics, environmental monitoring, and self-powered biomedical systems.
Recommended Citation
Muthusamy, Lavanya, "Self-Poled P(VDF-TRFE) Based Composites for Energy Harvesting and Wearable Sensor Applications" (2025). All Dissertations. 3984.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/3984
Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0000-5302-2287
Included in
Electrical and Electronics Commons, Electronic Devices and Semiconductor Manufacturing Commons, Other Electrical and Computer Engineering Commons, Polymer and Organic Materials Commons