Development of New Piezoelectric Composites based on Polymer/Carbon Nanotube/PZT with Connectivity 1-3 and 0-3, Aiming for Application as Energy Harvesting and Sensors.

Abstract

Nowadays, it has been a great demand for intelligent materials that on the action of an external stimulus have their physical and/or chemical properties modified as response. Within this class, it highlights the piezoelectric materials, which under the action of an external stimulus produce an electric current. Aiming at this theme, the present project aims to develop new polymer/ferroelectric ceramic piezoelectric composites with connectivity 1-3 and 0-3, with and without a third conductive phase (carbon nanotubes), aiming its application as energy harvesting and piezoelectric sensor. Four polymer matrices will be used as support for particulates and ceramic microwires. The main innovation of the project is the use of two matrices from renewable and natural sources, such as castor oil- based polyurethane and natural rubber, in order to add even more value to these national products. The electrical and dielectric properties of the composites will be evaluated by impedance spectroscopy technique in order to determine the relaxation processes and the conduction process, as well as the resonance frequency. The evaluation of the piezoelectric coefficient of the samples will be performed as a function of the applied electric field, the quantity of microwire and ceramic particulates, and the amount of conductive particulate. A comparative analysis will be carried out between the results of the different composites in order to determine which of the matrices presented better dielectric, electric, piezoelectric and electromechanical coupling properties. Finally, it will be proposed the development of a energy harvesting device and its viability as a piezoelectric sensor. (AU)