Bret Neese

Bio: Bret Neese is an academic researcher from Pennsylvania State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ferroelectricity & Electrocaloric effect. The author has an hindex of 16, co-authored 33 publications receiving 3666 citations. Previous affiliations of Bret Neese include Union Carbide & Foundation University, Islamabad.

A Dielectric Polymer with High Electric Energy Density and Fast Discharge Speed

Abstract: Dielectric polymers with high dipole density have the potential to achieve very high energy density, which is required in many modern electronics and electric systems. We demonstrate that a very high energy density with fast discharge speed and low loss can be obtained in defect-modified poly(vinylidene fluoride) polymers. This is achieved by combining nonpolar and polar molecular structural changes of the polymer with the proper dielectric constants, to avoid the electric displacement saturation at electric fields well below the breakdown field. The results indicate that a very high dielectric constant may not be desirable to reach a very high energy density.

Large electrocaloric effect in ferroelectric polymers near room temperature.

Abstract: Applying an electrical field to a polar polymer may induce a large change in the dipolar ordering, and if the associated entropy changes are large, they can be explored in cooling applications. With the use of the Maxwell relation between the pyroelectric coefficient and the electrocaloric effect (ECE), it was determined that a large ECE can be realized in the ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] copolymer at temperatures above the ferroelectric-paraelectric transition (above 70°C), where an isothermal entropy change of more than 55 joules per kilogram per kelvin degree and adiabatic temperature change of more than 12°C were observed. We further showed that a similar level of ECE near room temperature can be achieved by working with the relaxor ferroelectric polymer of P(VDF-TrFE-chlorofluoroethylene).

Electrical Energy Density and Discharge Characteristics of a Poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene)Copolymer

Abstract: The high electric displacement (D>0.1 C/m2) and breakdown field (600 MV/m) in polyvinylidene fluoride based polymers suggest high electrical energy density in this class of polymers. By defect modifications which reduce or eliminate the remnant polarization in the polymer, a high electrical energy density can indeed be obtained. This paper shows that in properly prepared P(VDF-CTFE) copolymer film capacitors, an electrical energy density ~25 J/cm3 can be obtained with a breakdown field higher than 600 MV/m. The dielectric and discharge behavior of the polymer films were investigated. The results reveal that there are strong frequency dispersions in both the dielectric and discharge behavior. The dielectric constant decreases with frequency and the discharged energy density is also reduced at shorted discharge time (~1 mus) due to increased ESR for fast discharge. The results indicate the potential of this class of polymers for high energy density capacitors and suggest the need for further tuning of the polymer compositions to reduce the frequency dispersion.

A Modular Approach to Ferroelectric Polymers with Chemically Tunable Curie Temperatures and Dielectric Constants

Abstract: We present a modular approach toward poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based ferroelectric fluoropolymers with high dielectric constants. This strategy is based on a two-step reaction, including the copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride and chlorotrifluoroethylene and a subsequent hydrogenation reaction. The chemical structures and compositions of the resulting polymers can be precisely controlled, leading to tunable Curie temperatures and dielectric constants and a systematical study of structure-property correlations.

Relaxor ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) terpolymer for high energy density storage capacitors

Abstract: This paper investigates the relaxor ferroelectric polymer-poly(vinylidene fluoride/trifluoroethylene/chlorofluoroethylene) terpolymer for energy storage capacitors. It is found that the high dielectric constant (>50 at 1 kHz) and high reversible polarization in the terpolymer lead to a high electric energy density ~ 10 J/cm3 , achieved under an electric field of more than 350 MV/m. The high dielectric constant also causes the polarization saturation at fields much below the breakdown field and whereby the discharged energy density increases nearly linearly with applied field, distinctively different from the low dielectric constant linear dielectric polymers whose energy density rises with square of the applied field. The strong frequency dispersion and nonlinear polarization response (polarization saturation) of the relaxor terpolymer result in a low effective capacitance at the beginning of the discharge and the effective capacitance increases with time during the discharge. Furthermore, due to the frequency dispersion and nonlinear effect, the discharged energy density of the terpolymer to a resistor load RL increases with RL. A large R L will lead to high discharge efficiency in the terpolymer capacitor

Electroactive phases of poly(vinylidene fluoride) : determination, processing and applications

Abstract: Poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and its copolymers are the family of polymers with the highest dielectric constant and electroactive response, including piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric effects. The electroactive properties are increasingly important in a wide range of applications such as in biomedicine, energy generation and storage, monitoring and control, and include the development of sensors and actuators, separator and filtration membranes and smart scaffolds, among others. For many of these applications the polymer should be in one of its electroactive phases. This review presents the developments and summarizes the main characteristics of the electroactive phases of PVDF and copolymers, indicates the different processing strategies as well as the way in which the phase content is identified and quantified. Additionally, recent advances in the development of electroactive composites allowing novel effects, such as magnetoelectric responses, and opening new applications areas are presented. Finally, some of the more interesting potential applications and processing challenges are discussed.

25th Anniversary Article: The Evolution of Electronic Skin (E-Skin): A Brief History, Design Considerations, and Recent Progress

Abstract: Human skin is a remarkable organ. It consists of an integrated, stretchable network of sensors that relay information about tactile and thermal stimuli to the brain, allowing us to maneuver within our environment safely and effectively. Interest in large-area networks of electronic devices inspired by human skin is motivated by the promise of creating autonomous intelligent robots and biomimetic prosthetics, among other applications. The development of electronic networks comprised of flexible, stretchable, and robust devices that are compatible with large-area implementation and integrated with multiple functionalities is a testament to the progress in developing an electronic skin (e-skin) akin to human skin. E-skins are already capable of providing augmented performance over their organic counterpart, both in superior spatial resolution and thermal sensitivity. They could be further improved through the incorporation of additional functionalities (e.g., chemical and biological sensing) and desired properties (e.g., biodegradability and self-powering). Continued rapid progress in this area is promising for the development of a fully integrated e-skin in the near future.

Flexible high-temperature dielectric materials from polymer nanocomposites

Abstract: Dielectric materials, which store energy electrostatically, are ubiquitous in advanced electronics and electric power systems. Compared to their ceramic counterparts, polymer dielectrics have higher breakdown strengths and greater reliability, are scalable, lightweight and can be shaped into intricate configurations, and are therefore an ideal choice for many power electronics, power conditioning, and pulsed power applications. However, polymer dielectrics are limited to relatively low working temperatures, and thus fail to meet the rising demand for electricity under the extreme conditions present in applications such as hybrid and electric vehicles, aerospace power electronics, and underground oil and gas exploration. Here we describe crosslinked polymer nanocomposites that contain boron nitride nanosheets, the dielectric properties of which are stable over a broad temperature and frequency range. The nanocomposites have outstanding high-voltage capacitive energy storage capabilities at record temperatures (a Weibull breakdown strength of 403 megavolts per metre and a discharged energy density of 1.8 joules per cubic centimetre at 250 degrees Celsius). Their electrical conduction is several orders of magnitude lower than that of existing polymers and their high operating temperatures are attributed to greatly improved thermal conductivity, owing to the presence of the boron nitride nanosheets, which improve heat dissipation compared to pristine polymers (which are inherently susceptible to thermal runaway). Moreover, the polymer nanocomposites are lightweight, photopatternable and mechanically flexible, and have been demonstrated to preserve excellent dielectric and capacitive performance after intensive bending cycles. These findings enable broader applications of organic materials in high-temperature electronics and energy storage devices.

Advances in dielectric elastomers for actuators and artificial muscles.

Abstract: A number of materials have been explored for their use as artificial muscles Among these, dielectric elastomers (DEs) appear to provide the best combination of properties for true muscle-like actuation DEs behave as compliant capacitors, expanding in area and shrinking in thickness when a voltage is applied Materials combining very high energy densities, strains, and efficiencies have been known for some time To date, however, the widespread adoption of DEs has been hindered by premature breakdown and the requirement for high voltages and bulky support frames Recent advances seem poised to remove these restrictions and allow for the production of highly reliable, high-performance transducers for artificial muscle applications