Electrostatic Discharge Analysis of Reactive Material Formulations

Recently it was discovered that a relaxor ferroelectric copolymer consisting of poly(vinylidene flouride - trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) exhibits a dielectric constant >60, more than 20 times the values of existing polymer film capacitors. In this SBIRprogram, TRS Ceramis and its subsidiary Centre Capacitor will demonstrate the feasibility of using this materials for compact, high volumetric efficiency, and low cost capacitors. This technology will bridge the gap between low ESR capacitors made withlinear polymer, dielectric ceramics, and ferroelectric ceramics and high capacitance valued components such as electrolytics and ultracapacitors. In Phase I, commercially available polymer film will be processed to determine the optimum irradiation andfilm annealing conditions. The effect of electrode material (metallization)will also be studied to determine if self-healing electrode technology can be applied to this material. Prototype capacitors will be constructed by lamination techniques and theresults will be used for pilot production in Phase II. The overall goal is to meet or exceed the DOD energy density requirement for DC bus capacitors.We anticipate relaxor PVDF-TrFE to be a breakthrough in capacitor technology leading to high volumetricefficiency components applicable to a broad range of markets. Besides military applications, PVDF-TrFE capacitors are expected to find wide use for implantable defibrillators, industrial motor drives, and electric vehicles.