Freeze Casted Composite Ferroelectric Materials for Compact Single Shot Power Supplies

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop a ceramic/polymer ferroelectric composite material for use as a single shot power supply. This structure is expected to provide an enhanced piezoelectric voltage coefficient, high ceramic fill factor, easy poling, and improved mechanical strength. PSI will form this composite material using a freeze casting process that is economical and will allow for micro-structural design to optimize both mechanical and electrical properties. Both PZT and BiFeO3 will be examined for the ceramic phase while PVDF and Nylon will be evaluated for the polymeric phase. The Phase 1 effort will fabricate a 40mm device structure that is capable of delivering 30kV to a capacitive load. Texas Tech University will perform explosive testing of the device. The Phase 1 Option will examine various microstructural designs and their effects on the proposed device characteristics. The Phase 2 effort will produce a single shot supply capable of delivering a minimum of 100kV and provide a method for periodic monitoring the polarization of the device