Spoke 3 at the AICAT 2024 Congress: analysis on flexible piezoelectric films
From December 9 to 11, 2024, the 45th National AICAT Congress took place in Caserta, focusing on calorimetry, thermal analysis, and applied thermodynamics.
The event brought together scientists from across Italy and Europe, offering an opportunity to discuss the latest research in the field.
Among the presentations, Marco Fortunato, a researcher at CNR-ICMATE and a member of Spoke 3, delivered a talk titled “The Influence of Preparation Methods on the Properties of Flexible Piezoelectric Composite Films”.
The research presented by Fortunato was conducted as part of Spoke 3 of the RAISE initiative, aimed at developing advanced technological solutions for energy and sustainability.
Marco Fortunato showcased a study on flexible piezoelectric materials capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. These materials hold promise for the development of autonomous energy systems and contribute to reducing fossil fuel consumption. Specifically, the research focused on composites made from polymers such as PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) and inorganic fillers like BaTiO3 (barium titanate). These composites are valued for their flexibility and resistance to high electric fields—key qualities for renewable energy applications.
At the AICAT 2024 Congress Fortunato explained how different preparation methods affect the uniform distribution of filler particles within the polymer and the material’s thermal stability. Through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the temperature at which PVDF begins to degrade was evaluated, while techniques like differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were used to identify the crystalline variants of PVDF and their impact on piezoelectric properties.
This research highlighted how the choice of manufacturing technique can enhance material performance, contributing to the development of new solutions for sustainable energy.
Fortunato’s analysis provided a significant technical contribution, sparking discussions among participants about potential applications and future collaborations.
