FURI | Spring 2020

The Application of PVDF in Noise Attenuating Window Films

The primary goal of this project was to design a window film that can attenuate unwanted incoming noise from an enclosed space. PVDF, or poly(vinylidene fluoride), was chosen as the film material as it exhibits desirable optical properties and when poled, piezoelectric properties that allow for destructive sound interference when voltage is applied. The properties of poled and unpoled PVDF samples were explored using X-ray diffraction among other characterization techniques. The experiments tested the effect of the following variables on the film’s sound attenuation efficacy: film thickness, applied power, and frequency of incoming sound waves.