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New alliance for polymer testing

aixACCT Systems and Electrosciences are joining forces in the field of piezoelectric polymer testing. The first product resulting from this collaboration is a new sample holder that makes it possible to directly determine the d31 coefficient of polymer films.

15.06.2022
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Win-win situation

Markys G Cain, founder and CEO of Electrosciences Ltd., has already worked on the development of measuring methods for investigating ferro and piezoelectric materials at Britain’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL). It was here that he worked with one of our PES systems for the first time. Collaboration on a project for standardized measurement processes and results turned into a valuable cooperation. Markys is an expert in piezoelectric polymers and developed initial sample holders for polymer testing. In the prototype stage, he proved that measurement systems based on these sample holders worked. His next step was to find a partner that could make the system ready for series production and bring it to market. “We are delighted that Markys thought of aixACCT Systems right away,” says Roland Kessels. Both partners agree that piezoelectric polymers will be used in an increasing number of applications in future, from sonar and hydrophones to tactile sensor systems. “Once again, we are at the cutting edge of developing direct methods for measuring the ferroelectric and piezoelectric behavior of polymers,” says Kessels.

New d31 sample holder

The first jointly developed product is a sample holder that enables quick and precise measurement of the piezoelectric d32 and d31 parameters of polymer piezo films, including polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and variants thereof. It contains an integrated force measurement cell, a position sensor and a charge amplifier. Using lock-in amplification, it is a highly sensitive measuring device that can also be used to measure other electromechanical properties.
The new sample holder is initially available in combination with other measurement tools from aixACCT Systems. Existing systems can be upgraded and the sample holder can be combined with a specially modified TF 1000 Analyzer. The second step of the project will focus on developing a stand-alone system that does not require an analyzer.

  • sample holder that makes it possible to directly determine the d31 coefficient of polymer films

    Sample holder that enables quick and precise measurement of the piezoelectric d32 and d31 parameters.

Focus on material innovation

Both cooperation partners emphasize their desire to continue joint product development. Their focus here in particular is on developing additional sample holders and measurement systems for polymers and other materials. aixACCT Systems and Electrosciences complement each other outstandingly in this regard. “Together, we possess unique expertise in piezo and ferro testing that cannot be found anywhere else on the market,” emphasizes Roland Kessels.