Dome or bump-shaped PVDF-TrFE films developed with a new mold-transfer method for flexible tactile sensors

In this work, a new mold-transfer method to pattern piezoelectric polymer film has been developed and applied to make an innovative dome or bump-shaped PVDF-TrFE film for flexible tactile sensors. Dome and bump-shaped PVDF-TrFE films have been successfully fabricated and characterized as a sensing component for flexible tactile sensors. Newly developed fabrication method provides a flexible way to pattern piezoelectric polymer with different shapes and dimensions. The sensors developed using this method show high sensitivity and strong mechanical strength for microcatheters or other applications. In addition, selective DC poling method for PVDF-TrFE film has been developed for the localized piezoelectric sensors with minimum crosstalk.