title: Two-Step Polarization Switching in Ferroelectric Polymers.
abstract: The correlation between hierarchical structures and polarization switching in ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-ran-trifluoroethylene) has been probed by combining transmission electron microscopy studies with piezoresponse force microscopy observations. Differences are demonstrated between homogeneous and anisotropic thin films with well-defined lamellar orientation, with the later exhibiting quadrangular domain shape and double hysteresis. We propose that the polarization switching within lamella is dominated by domain wall flow motion, while the amorphous components between lamellae impede full polarization switching. The coupling between lamellae is controlled by a creep process. These results and interpretations explain well the seemingly contradicting polarization reversal dynamics reported and offer opportunities to change domain reversal speed by making ferroelectric polymer nanostructures.
authors.affiliation: Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.|Jiangsu Key Lab of Advanced Optical Manufacturing Technologies, College of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.|Research Center for Functional Organic/Polymer Micro/Nanofabrication, College of Materials, Chemical and Chemical engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
authors.forename: Yangjiang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.|Jiangsu Key Lab of Advanced Optical Manufacturing Technologies, College of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.|Research Center for Functional Organic/Polymer Micro/Nanofabrication, College of Materials, Chemical and Chemical engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
authors.forename: Xiaohui
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences-Bio & Soft Matter (IMCN/BSMA), Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 1/L7.04.02, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
authors.forename: Alain M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Jonas
authors.affiliation: Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.|Jiangsu Key Lab of Advanced Optical Manufacturing Technologies, College of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.|Research Center for Functional Organic/Polymer Micro/Nanofabrication, College of Materials, Chemical and Chemical engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
authors.forename: Zhijun
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Hu