PIEZOELECTRIC POLYMERS IN TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Abstract

In the Piezoelectric behaviour refers that conversion of mechanical impact to electrical power, or electrical impact to mechanical changing. The presence of piezoelectricity has been scientifically discovered in 1880 as a result of the work of Jacques and Pierre Curie brothers. They found that some naturally occurring crystals such as quartz and Rochelle salt produced a surface charge when subject to a compressive load. Piezoelectric energy has a wide range of application areas by providing sustainable energy. One of these areas is the textile industry which has been moving towards higher value added production in recent years. Piezoelectric materials are divided into four groups: piezoelectric crystals (quartz, rochelle salt, tourmaline, topaz etc.), piezoelectric ceramics (lead zirconate titanate, barium titanate, etc.), piezoelectric polymers (PVDF, odd numbered nylons etc.) and piezoelectric composites. Because of different characteristics of these piezoelectric materials, each of them is preferred with regard to projected purpose. This study reviews piezoelectric polymers and highlights its properties such as elasticity, lightness, strength, etc. where the desired characteristics are needed in textile products. These features make easier to use of piezoelectric polymers in smart textile applications. They are generally used to energize from human movements or different regions of the human body. Power generation can be achieved by various textile structures such as fibre, yarn, weaving and knitting. In this review some polymers, for example polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), Polyamide 11 (PA11), Polypropylene (PP), are especially chosen to give more detail on their piezoelectric characteristics which are considered in the textile applications.

Keywords

• Piezoelectric
• polymers
• PVDF
• Polypropylene
• Polyamide 11