Dielectric Layer Copolymer Mesogenic Units Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fabricating piezoelectric and flexoelectric devices using polymers face challenges such as difficulty in controlling poling processes, which can lead to burning and charring of polymeric films, and require structures with no inversion symmetry, limiting the application of flexoelectricity in centrosymmetric materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of dielectric devices using polymerizable compositions comprising a solvent and a combination of polymerizable mesogenic monomers that self-align on an oriented substrate without poling, allowing for the formation of thin piezoelectric and flexoelectric layers through alignment and polymerization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If poling is used to orient polymer crystallites, then piezoelectric and flexoelectric properties are achieved, but the process is difficult to control and can cause burning and charring of the polymeric film
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal poling process with a chemical approach using polymerizable mesogenic monomers that self-align through their inherent mesogenic properties during polymerization, eliminating the need for high-temperature poling that causes burning and charring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from post-polymerization poling to pre-polymerization self-alignment of mesogenic monomers, allowing orientation to occur during the polymerization process itself at lower temperatures, thus avoiding thermal damage to the polymer film
2Adaptability or versatility
If centrosymmetric materials are used, then flexoelectricity can be applied, but piezoelectricity requires structures with no inversion symmetry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform using polymerizable mesogenic monomers that can exhibit both piezoelectric and flexoelectric properties depending on the material system, allowing centrosymmetric materials to be utilized for flexoelectric applications while maintaining the capability for piezoelectric applications in non-centrosymmetric systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the creation of dielectric layers that exhibit piezoelectric and flexoelectric properties without the need for poling, allowing for the use of centrosymmetric materials and reducing the risk of damage during the fabrication process, while also providing a flexible and efficient method for producing these devices.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizable mesogenic monomers that self-align on an oriented substrate without poling
Implementation Method 2
polymerizing the aligned combination of polymerizable mesogenic monomers to form a dielectric layer
Implementation Method 3
materials exhibiting flexoelectricity can have a spontaneous electrical polarization when induced by a strain gradient
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Self-aligning liquid crystal copolymers comprising two mesogenic repeating units are disclosed. The copolymers can exhibit piezoelectric and flexoelectric properties.