Capacitive sensors and methods and apparatuses for producing capacitive sensors
Capacitive sensors and methods and apparatuses for producing capacitive sensors. Such a method includes printing a dielectric layer to include a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) film so that the dielectric layer has oppositely-disposed first and second surfaces. First and second electrodes are provided on the first and second surfaces, respectively, of the dielectric layer. A corona poling apparatus for producing a capacitive sensor includes an anode having at least one electrically conductive ionizer needle, a cathode opposite and facing the anode with a distance therebetween, a sample location defined between the ionizer needle and the cathode wherein the sample location is configured to receive an object to be polarized, and a shield surrounding at least one of the anode, the ionizer needle, and the cathode. The shield focuses ions created during a corona discharge between the anode and the cathode toward the sample location.
1 . A capacitive sensor comprising:
a 3D-printed dielectric layer having a first surface and a second surface oppositely disposed from the first surface, the dielectric layer being polarized;
a first electrode on the first surface of the dielectric layer and deposited by direct ink writing; and
a second electrode on the second surface of the dielectric layer and deposited by direct ink writing;
wherein each of the first and second electrodes comprises a conductive ink that has been dried, the conductive ink comprising a silver paint and a silver paint dilutant.
2 . The capacitive sensor of claim 1 , wherein the capacitive sensor is a flexible poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) capacitive temperature sensor.
3 . The capacitive sensor of claim 1 , wherein the dielectric layer comprises a poly(vinylidene fluoride) PVdF film comprising a plurality of roads of extruded material, adjacent roads of the plurality of roads being bonded with each other along adjacent surfaces thereof.
4 . The capacitive sensor of claim 1 , wherein the dielectric layer has a thickness of 180 to 280 micrometers; and the dielectric layer, first electrode, and second electrode have a combined thickness of 200 micrometers to 380 micrometers.