Flexible piezoelectric foams are produced by integrating high-dipole-moment molecules into a low–crosslinked polymer matrix such as polyurethane, PDMS, or PMMA. During fabrication, the dopant is homogeneously mixed into the liquid precursor, followed by curing and electrical poling to align the dipoles. This process creates a material that exhibits a linear relationship between applied force and generated charge, making it well-suited for applications like energy harvesting and various sensing modalities. The material’s properties, including piezoelectric response and mechanical flexibility, can be tuned by adjusting the type and concentration of the dopant, the nature of the polymer matrix, and the intensity of the applied electric field.
Description
What differentiates this technology is its ability to marry the flexibility of polymer foams with performance levels akin to high-end ceramic piezoelectrics. Its customizable composition allows for precise control over both electrical and mechanical characteristics, a feature that traditional rigid ceramics lack. Experimental validation confirms that the material can deliver consistent, linear responses under varied mechanical stresses, paving the way for innovative applications in smart sensors and energy harvesters.
Applications
- Energy harvesting devices
- Force sensing applications
- Vibration monitoring sensors
- Touch responsive interfaces
Advantages
- Tunable material properties by adjusting polymer type, dopant, concentration, and electric field strength.
- Combines the flexibility of polymers with high piezoelectric performance comparable to ceramics.
- Provides a linear relationship between applied force and generated charge for precise sensing.
- Versatile applications including energy harvesting, force, vibration, and touch sensing.
- Scalable and customizable fabrication process suitable for diverse material requirements.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US11335846B2
