MatMeas FCP Thin Film Corona Polarizer — 1

Overview

The MatMeas FCP Thin Film Corona Polarizer is specifically engineered for laboratory research and pilot-scale production of piezoelectric polymer films. Designed to overcome dielectric breakdown and electrode arcing in ultra-thin membranes, the base system delivers 0 to −30 kV / 2 mA negative corona discharge with ±5% voltage accuracy across an expansive 200 mm × 200 mm active poling area. Powered by AC 220–240 V (50 Hz), it features two independent power modules to eliminate mutual interference between corona ionization and triode grid potential regulation.

For thermal poling schedules, the system seamlessly integrates the FCPHT150 High-Temperature Heating Stage (supporting ambient up to 150℃ with PID precision ≤ ±3℃ and multi-rate heating ramps), enabling complete thermal dipole alignment and field-cooling lock-in for beta-phase PVDF. For automated laboratories and Industry 4.0 workflows, the optional FCPOP01 Smart Upgrade Suite equips the platform with remote over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates and programmatic API calls, allowing direct integration into centralized data acquisition and automated testing systems.

Specifications

Polarization ModeNegative Corona Poling (Base System: 0 to −30 kV / 2 mA)
Polarization Voltage Range0 to −30 kV (negative polarity)
Maximum Output Current2 mA
Voltage Output Accuracy±5%
Active Poling Area200 mm × 200 mm (supports custom coupons e.g. 50 mm × 50 mm up to 200 mm × 200 mm sheets)
Power Architecture2 built-in independent power modules (corona discharge & grid stabilization)
Compatible Film Thickness5 μm to 200 μm (optimized for ultra-thin 10–50 μm membranes)
Compatible MaterialsPVDF, P(VDF-TrFE), electret films, and flexible ferroelectric polymers
High-Temp Stage (Option: FCPHT150)Ambient to ≤ 150℃ (PID control, precision ≤ ±3℃)
Heating Rate3℃/min, 6℃/min, 9℃/min selectable
Smart Suite (Option: FCPOP01)Remote OTA firmware updates & external API call integration
Electrode MechanismProprietary single-wire non-contact electrode fixture
Power SupplyAC 220–240 V, 50 Hz

Applications

  1. Sensors & Actuators
  2. Energy Harvesting & Storage
  3. Acoustic Technology
  4. Aerospace
  5. Medical Devices

FAQ

  • How does the FCP system eliminate physical puncturing and mechanical stress on ultra-thin polymer films?

    Conventional contact poling fixtures rely on rigid mechanical clamps or spring-loaded pins that frequently puncture, scratch, or wrinkle delicate sub-50 μm polymer membranes. The MatMeas FCP resolves this by utilizing non-contact corona discharge. High-voltage air ionization deposits charges uniformly across the upper surface without mechanical pressure, while the precision-machined heated substrate provides flat bottom grounding and uniform thermal contact, maintaining pristine film integrity throughout the process.

  • Why is negative corona poling specifically recommended for PVDF and P(VDF-TrFE) films?

    Negative corona discharge operates through highly stable, self-quenching Trichel pulses, avoiding the localized streamer breakdown and spark-overs common in positive corona discharges. For electronegative fluoropolymers like PVDF and P(VDF-TrFE), negative surface charge deposition produces a more uniform electrostatic potential across the film. The FCP system integrates dual independent power modules (0 to -30 kV corona source and precision grid voltage bias) to precisely clamp surface potential and align C-F dipoles into the polar beta-phase.

  • What sample formats, thicknesses, and sizes can be accommodated on the FCP platform?

    The FCP platform accommodates film thicknesses from 5 μm up to 200 μm (optimized for ultra-thin 10–50 μm membranes). Its 200 mm × 200 mm heated ground stage supports specimen geometries ranging from small diced coupons (e.g., 20 mm × 20 mm, 50 mm × 50 mm) up to 200 mm × 200 mm sheets. For larger industrial substrates up to 300 mm × 300 mm with multi-axis synchronized scanning, researchers can step up to the MatMeas SFP Smart Corona Polarizer.

  • How does the FCP system control temperature during thermal poling and field-cooling schedules?

    Dipole alignment in semicrystalline PVDF requires thermal soaking (typically 80°C to 110°C) to overcome alpha-phase crystalline constraints, followed by cooling under sustained electric fields to lock in beta-phase orientation. Equipped with the optional FCPHT150 high-temperature heating stage, the FCP provides precise PID-controlled heating from ambient up to 150°C (precision ≤ ±3°C) with selectable heating ramps (3°C/min, 6°C/min, 9°C/min), allowing exact execution of standardized thermal poling and field-cooling recipes.

  • Should I choose corona poling or contact oil-bath poling for my custom 50 mm × 50 mm PVDF films?

    The decision depends primarily on your film's metallization state. For bare (un-electroded) PVDF films or ultra-thin coupons (10 to 50 μm), corona poling with the FCP is standard practice because it eliminates edge flashover, tolerates microscopic pinholes through self-limiting charge dissipation, and requires no post-poling solvent washing. Conversely, contact oil-bath poling (e.g., the MatMeas OBP series) is suited for samples already manufactured with double-sided patterned electrodes. Both approaches integrate seamlessly with the MatMeas PMS-1000 for post-poling d33 piezoelectric coefficient verification.

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