Ferroelectric polymer, pronounced /fɛrəʊɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈpɒlɪmər/, is a type of polymer material that exhibits permanent electric polarization, which can be reversed by the application of an external electric field. The term "ferroelectric" comes from the Greek word "ferro," meaning iron, and "electric," referring to the electric polarization of the material. The correct spelling of this word can be challenging due to the combination of several phonemes, including the unique vowel sound in "əʊ" and the stress on the second syllable.
Ferroelectric polymer refers to a type of polymer material that possesses ferroelectricity, which is the ability to exhibit a permanent electric polarization in response to an external electric field. It is composed of long-chain organic molecules with repeat units in its molecular structure that have a polar nature. The term "ferroelectric" is derived from the Latin word "ferrum," meaning iron, which initially described certain inorganic materials with similar electrical properties.
Unlike traditional ferroelectric materials such as crystals, ferroelectric polymers exhibit flexibility and lightweight characteristics due to their polymeric nature. They are widely used in various technological applications, including sensors, actuators, energy storage devices, memory devices, and even organic electronics.
The electrical polarization that occurs in ferroelectric polymers arises from the alignment of dipole moments along the polymer chain. When an electric field is applied, the dipole moments align in a specific direction, resulting in the formation of a net electric polarization that persists even after the electric field is removed.
The unique combination of mechanical flexibility and ferroelectric properties in ferroelectric polymers makes them highly desirable for technological advancements. They offer advantages such as low cost, ease of fabrication, and the ability to tune properties through material design. Ongoing research aims to enhance the performance of ferroelectric polymers and explore their potential in various applications, including flexible electronics, energy harvesting, and biomedicine.
The etymology of the word "ferroelectric polymer" can be broken down as follows:
1. Ferroelectric:
- The term "ferroelectric" is derived from the Greek words "ferro" meaning "iron" and "electric" meaning "amber" or "generated by amber".
- The word "amber" in this context refers to a substance that exhibits electrostatic properties when rubbed, which was first observed by the ancient Greeks who discovered that amber, when rubbed with fur, could attract lightweight objects like feathers.
- The concept of ferroelectricity emerged in the early 20th century, relating to certain materials that possess a spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by an applied electric field, much like a magnet can be magnetized or demagnetized.