Piezoelectric Composite Materials Research Articles

Two-scale asymptotic homogenization analysis of piezoelectric composite materials in generalized curvilinear coordinates

This paper presents a comprehensive study on applying the two-scale asymptotic homogenization method to derive the effective properties of piezoelectric composite materials characterized by generalized periodicity in curvilinear coordinates. The methodology involves formulating the homogenization problem in a general curvilinear framework suitable for materials with complex geometric configurations. By systematically deriving the homogenized equations and effective coefficients, the paper provides a robust theoretical foundation for understanding the macroscopic behavior of piezoelectric composites under various loading conditions. The model’s versatility is demonstrated through its application to specific curvilinear coordinate systems, including the helix coordinate system and cylindrical coordinates with wavy geometry. These examples highlight the potential of the proposed approach in analyzing and designing piezoelectric materials with intricate geometries. The state-of-the-art numerical homogenization methods have also validated the proposed homogenization method, ensuring its accuracy and robustness.

Research and fabrication of bimetallic plate transducer based on finite element analysis

By enhancing the type 1–3 piezoelectric composite material, a highly sensitive hydroacoustic transducer sensitive element structure is suggested for uses in sonar systems, such as small target identification and fine imaging. A lower metal plate, a piezoelectric ceramic column array, and an upper metal plate make up the piezoelectric material structure. The resonance frequency of the bimetal plate type piezoelectric ceramic array material was theoretically analyzed, the sensitive element geometry of the bimetal plate piezoelectric material was studied using finite element simulation, the material choice for the metal plate affected the material’s performance, and the parameters of each size of the sensitive element were determined. These findings served as a guide for the production of a highly sensitive hydroacoustic transducer, as well as the structure of the piezoelectric material transducer in the water performance test. Results indicate that the structure transducer has a maximum transmit voltage response of 178 dB and a −3 dB bandwidth of approximately 25 kHz; the transducer may be efficiently tuned for a maximum receive sensitivity of −172 dB.

MoS2/SrTiO3 composite for piezocatalysis and piezocatalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate for efficient degradation of sulfamethoxazole

The piezocatalysis, in which piezoelectric polarization charges on the surface of piezocatalyst can initiate the generation of highly active species, has emerged as one of the effective strategies for organic pollutant removal in water and wastewater treatment. In this work, the composite piezoelectric material MoS2/SrTiO3 (MS/STO) was prepared and characterized. The synergistically piezoelectric effect between SrTiO3 and MoS2 was proven by electrochemical tests. Using ultrasound (US) as inputting mechanical energy, MS/STO exhibited effective degradation (∼ 70.2 % in 20 min) towards target antibiotic (sulfamethoxazole, SMX) in water. Further improving effect of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) on US/(MS/STO) for the degradation of SMX was also investigated. The results revealed that SMX was completely degraded within 20 min. Influencing factors including operation parameters and water composition for SMX degradation in US/(MS/STO)/PMS were studied, which demonstrated the good environmental adaptability of the system. The active species generated in the reaction system were identified via quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis, revealing the presence of O2•−, 1O2, •OH, and SO4•−. The possible reaction mechanism in US/(MS/STO)/PMS and the degrading pathway of SMX were proposed.

Optimizing Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from Mechanical Vibration for Electrical Efficiency: A Comprehensive Review

In the current era, energy resources from the environment via piezoelectric materials are not only used for self-powered electronic devices, but also play a significant role in creating a pleasant living environment. Piezoelectric materials have the potential to produce energy from micro to milliwatts of power depending on the ambient conditions. The energy obtained from these materials is used for powering small electronic devices such as sensors, health monitoring devices, and various smart electronic gadgets like watches, personal computers, and cameras. These reviews explain the comprehensive concepts related to piezoelectric (classical and non-classical) materials, energy harvesting from the mechanical vibration of piezoelectric materials, structural modelling, and their optimization. Non-conventional smart materials, such as polyceramics, polymers, or composite piezoelectric materials, stand out due to their slender actuator and sensor profiles, offering superior performance, flexibility, and reliability at competitive costs despite their susceptibility to performance fluctuations caused by temperature variations. Accurate modeling and performance optimization, employing analytical, numerical, and experimental methodologies are imperative. This review also furthers research and development in optimizing piezoelectric energy utilization, suggesting the need for continued experimentation to select optimal materials and structures for various energy applications.

Transmission of Lamb wave in a micro-mechanically piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite plate

The present work addresses the propagation characteristics of Lamb wave in a piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite material plate. The considered plate is micro-mechanically modeled using the analytical techniques of the Strength of Materials and Rule of Mixtures. Secular equations are deduced for symmetric and antisymmetric modes of Lamb wave by employing suitable boundary conditions. The data of two distinct PFRC materials are taken into account, viz. PZT-5A-epoxy and CdSe-epoxy with different fiber volume fractions to investigate the latent characteristics of Lamb wave propagation. The amplitudes of dilatation and electrical potential of considered material are examined numerically and manifested graphically for both kinds of modes, i.e., symmetric and antisymmetric modes. The obtained graphical results are also compared for both kinds of modes. A comparative study has been carried out to exhibit the concealed characteristics of Lamb wave propagation for various distinct cases of considered structure for both symmetric and antisymmetric modes. The determined analytical results are in well agreement with the results present in the existing literature.

Prediction of the electromechanical properties of a piezoelectric composite material through the artificial neural network

This paper presents an approach to evaluate the effective properties of the 1–3 composite material formed of piezoelectric fibre and matrix material using an artificial neural network. Firstly, finite element method (FEM) is used to determine the effective elastic, dielectric, and piezoelectric characteristics of composite materials, and the results are compared with classic micromechanical models. Predicting the electromechanical properties of a composite material using the FE method is computationally costly and therefore a computational approach based on an artificial neural network (ANN) is developed to reduce the time-consuming nature of traditional micromechanical models. A large volume of training data is necessary for good prediction from ANN models. To accomplish this, 280 sample data sets are generated utilizing 10 distinct piezoelectric fibre materials, 4 distinct matrix materials, and their combinations with varying volume fractions. An effective ANN model with the Tanh activation function and 12 neurons in the hidden layer was found to have a 99.999% prediction accuracy across all data sets when compared to the FEM model. The current study demonstrates that an artificial neural network can significantly reduce the time and cost involved in designing hybrid piezo-composite materials.

Tunable underwater sound absorption characteristics of 0-3 piezoelectric anechoic coating.

Piezoelectric composite materials (PCMs) with shunt damping circuits are used widely in hydroacoustics because of the flexible adjustability of their parameters. PCMs offer good underwater sound absorption, but shortcomings remain, such as poor low-frequency sound absorption, narrow bandwidth, and a single dissipation mechanism. In this paper, the tunable underwater sound absorption of a 0-3 PCM combined with a cavity structure and shunt circuit (PCMC) is studied systematically. First, the equivalent material parameters of 0-3 PCM are derived based on the Yamada model, and then a theoretical electroacoustic model is established for solving the absorption coefficient and is mutually verified with the numerical simulation method. On this basis, the tunable absorption characteristics of the structure are analyzed. The results show that coupling the energy dissipation mechanism of 0-3 PCM with the acoustic mechanism of the cavity structure not only achieves strong absorption at lower frequencies but also enriches the absorption mode in the mid-high frequencies by connecting the shunt circuits. Moreover, the influence of piezoelectric control variables and acoustic cavity morphology characteristics on structural sound absorption performance is further explored. Finally, the acoustic performance of PCMC is improved further via shape optimization and parameter optimization.

Fabrication, Evaluation, and Multiscale Simulation of Piezoelectric Composites Reinforced Using Unidirectional Carbon Fibers for Flexible Motion Sensors.

Piezoelectric composite materials can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, thus promoting battery-free motion-sensing systems. However, their substandard mechanical performance limits the capability of sensors developed using flexible piezoelectric materials. This study introduces a novel design strategy for preparing high-strength flexible piezoelectric composite materials comprising unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced potassium sodium niobate (K0.5Na0.5NbO3) nanoparticle-filled epoxy resin (UDCF/KNN-EP). The fibers significantly improve the Young's modulus of UDCF/KNN-EP along the fiber direction, which reaches 282.5MPa. Moreover, the composite exhibits excellent stretchability and piezoelectric response ( ) in the cross-fiber direction under cyclic tensile loading. Multiscale finite element analysis is performed via simulation, which allows theoretical examination of the experimental results and the material's mechanical response mechanism. Finally, UDCF/KNN-EP is seamlessly incorporated into athletic gear and used to measure the impact caused by baseball catching and track footfall patterns. This study harnesses the superior strength of carbon fibers to enhance the durability and dependability of self-powered sensors without compromising flexibility in specific directions.

Comparative Performance Analysis of Inverse Phase Active Vibration Cancellation Using Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) and Vibration Absorption of Silicone Gel for Vibration Reduction.

This study focuses on addressing the issue of unwanted vibrations commonly encountered in various fields by designing an Active Vibration Cancellation (AVC) structure using a flexible piezoelectric composite material macro fiber composite (MFC). A comparative performance analysis was conducted between the AVC and a traditional passive gel that continuously absorbs vibrations. The results showed that AVC was more effective in mitigating vibrations, making it a promising solution for vibration control. The results of this study from extensive vibration-sensing experiments and comparisons revealed that AVC effectively cancels the vibrations and vibration absorption performance of the passive gel. These findings underline the potential of AVC as an efficient method for eliminating and managing undesired vibrations in practical applications. Specifically, AVC demonstrated a high vibration cancellation ratio of approximately 0.96 at frequencies above 10 Hz. In contrast, passive gel exhibited a relatively consistent vibration absorption ratio, approximately 0.70 to 0.75 at all tested frequencies. These quantitative findings emphasize the superior performance of AVC in reducing vibrations to levels below a certain threshold, demonstrating its efficacy for vibration control in real-world scenarios.

Research on high sensitivity integrated transmit and receive hydroacoustic transducer

In response to the application demand in the field of hydroacoustic for high efficiency transmitting and high sensitivity receiving, overlapping frequency bands of transmitting and receiving, and structurally integrated high frequency hydroacoustic transducer. In this paper, a high-sensitivity transducer with integrated transmit and receive is developed. The transducer consists of two parts: the transmitting unit is 1–3 type piezoelectric composite material; the receiving unit is single metal plate air column array structure, and the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient is improved by changing the piezoelectric ceramic structure, thus improving the receiving sensitivity. Through theoretical analysis and finite element analysis determined the conditions of integration of transmitting and receiving. Finally, the transducer prototype was fabricated and tested. The results showed that the resonant frequency of the transmitter unit was 249 kHz, the anti-resonant frequency of the receiver unit was 253 kHz, and the maximum transmit voltage response and receive sensitivity were 180.1 dB and −175.8 dB, respectively, which satisfied the transceiver condition and high sensitivity performance.

Active damping of multiscale composite shells using Sinus theory incorporated with Murakami’s zig-zag function

This article is divided into two main sections, the focus of the first is to develop a finite element model using the in-house MATLAB codes, implementing the sinusoidal shear deformation theory incorporating Murakami’s zig-zag function to encounter the inherent zig-zag effects of the laminated structures. The focus of the second is to investigate the active damping behavior of laminated multiscale hybrid fiber-reinforced composite (HFRC) smart shells via active constrained layer damping (ACLD) treatment using the proposed theory. The ACLD treatment layers comprise a constrained layer of viscoelastic material and an advance constraining layer of 1–3 piezoelectric composite material with vertically/obliquely oriented piezo-fibers, responsible for the active control. The computed numerical results of the laminated HFRC shell are analyzed and compared with the laminated base composite shell for symmetric/anti-symmetric cross-ply and anti-symmetric angle-ply. Moreover, we investigated the effect of carbon nanotube waviness and piezo-fibers orientation on the damping performance of the laminated HFRC/ACLD smart shell system. The analysis shows that the damping behavior of laminated HFRC shells improved due to the waviness of carbon nanotubes and that the orientation of piezo-fibers greatly influenced the effectiveness of the ACLD treatment patches. The proposed laminated multiscale HFRC/ACLD shell system with straight and wavy carbon nanotubes can be extensively used in structural health monitoring applications to actively control the mechanical vibrations induced in structures.

Valorization of eggshell waste in designing flexible polyurethane-based piezoelectric composite materials for ultrasonic transducers

Valorization of eggshell waste in designing flexible polyurethane-based piezoelectric composite materials for ultrasonic transducers

Effect of bicontinuous minimal surface meso-scale geometry on piezoelectric performances of piezoelectric composites

This paper examines the effective piezoelectric properties of ceramic-based composite materials that contain bicontinuous minimal surface structures. Three structures are introduced bicontinuous Schwarz P, bicontinuous Gyroid, and bicontinuous I-WP and the material model is subjected to both compressive and tensile stresses. Using the finite element method, the relationship between the average piezoelectric coefficient and the volume fraction of piezoelectric ceramics is analyzed for different structures. The study reveals that the bicontinuous Gyroid structure exhibits the highest average piezoelectric coefficient of 501 pc/N under a compressive stress of 0.5 Gpa and a piezoelectric ceramic volume fraction of 50%. Additionally, the study compares the three bicontinuous minimal surface structures with 3–3 model piezoelectric composite materials (interconnected random distribution) to explore the piezoelectric ceramic transfer path and the impact of arrangement and combination on piezoelectric properties. The results show that bicontinuous minimal surface piezoelectric composite materials display superior piezoelectric properties, as demonstrated by their high piezoelectric charge coefficient, piezoelectric voltage coefficient, and energy harvesting figure of merit. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into how the structure of piezoelectric ceramics can be altered to enhance the performance of piezoelectric composite materials.

Rayleigh wave in a piezoelectric micro-mechanical bi-material system with mechanically and dielectrically imperfect interfaces

The present work investigates the propagation behavior of Rayleigh waves in a piezoelectric fiber-reinforced composite (PFRC) material stratum lying over a PFRC substrate with mechanically and dielectrically imperfect interfaces. The PFRC material structure is micro-mechanically modeled using the analytical techniques of the Strength of Materials (SM) and Rule of Mixtures (RM). Dispersion equations are obtained by employing suitable boundary conditions for electrically open and short conditions. The data of CdSe-epoxy and PZT-5A-epoxy materials as PFRC materials have been taken into account for fiber volume fraction to investigate the latent characteristics of Rayleigh wave propagation. Numerical calculations have been carried out to study the influence of mechanically compliant and dielectrically weakly (MCDW)/highly (MCDH) conducting imperfect interfaces on Rayleigh wave propagation in the considered structure. A comparative study has also been carried out to exhibit the concealed characteristics of Rayleigh wave propagation for various distinct cases in both the electrical conditions and manifested graphically for the fundamental mode of Rayleigh wave.

Experimental investigation of novel pre-compressed viscoelastic dampers with different matrix materials

In this paper, a novel pre-compressed viscoelastic damper with polyurethane-based piezoelectric damping composite material matrix is proposed. The damper mainly consists of the piezoelectric damping material matrix, steel plates, splints, and bolts, in which the pre-compression can be provided by bolts between the splints. By varying three influencing parameters of displacement amplitude, excitation frequency, and temperature, the dynamic mechanical properties of a total of 6 viscoelastic dampers (VEDs) were cyclically tested. The seismic behavior and vibration-resilient performance were evaluated by varying the viscoelastic damping material matrix and structural form. The experimental results show that the VED based on piezoelectric composite material matrix has a plumper hysteresis loop and better energy dissipation capacity. Moreover, the analyses illustrate that the pre-compression can improve the mechanical properties of the VED. In addition, the study of signal-to-noise ratio also reveals that the VED based on piezoelectric composite material matrix has excellent energy dissipation capability. The novel pre-compressed VED based on piezoelectric composite material matrix shows promising application prospects in vibration control.

Application of Low Temperature Processed 0-3 Composite Piezoelectric Thick Films in Flexible, Non-planar, High Frequency Ultrasonic Devices.

Low-temperature, flexible, 0-3 composite piezoelectric materials can decrease the size, cost, and complexity of high-frequency acoustic devices on temperature sensitive substrates such as those in catheter based ultrasonic devices and acoustooptic sensors. In this paper, the application of low-temperature 0-3 connected composite thick films in flexible, non-planar, high frequency ultrasonic devices is reported. A flexible high-frequency ultrasound transducer and an acousto-optic radio-frequency (RF) field sensor are demonstrated utilizing PZT-based composite thick films. Flexible composite films have been fabricated with thicknesses between 20-100μm utilizing screen-printing, stencil-printing, and dip-coating techniques. Composite films' piezoelectric d33 coefficient is measured, with results between 35-43 pC/N. Ultrasonic transducers utilizing these films demonstrate broadband acoustic response. A composite transducer is fabricated on flexible polyimide and wrapped around a 3mm catheter. Pulse-echo experiments demonstrate viability of these films as both as an actuator and a sensor in flexible devices. The composite material is further dip-coated onto an optical fiber Bragg grating to form a flexible acousto-optic RF field sensor. The sensor demonstrates RF field sensing in the 20-130 MHz range. The results from these experiments indicate significant potential for future flexible, high frequency ultrasonic devices utilizing low temperature 0-3 composite piezoelectric materials on temperature sensitive substrates.

Construction of 2-2 Type Cement-Based Piezoelectric Composites’ Mechanic–Electric Relationship Based on Strain Rate Dependence

It has been found that the mechanic-electric response of cement-based piezoelectric composites under impact loading is nonlinear. Herein, we prepared a 2-2 cement-based piezoelectric composite material using cutting, pouring, and re-cutting. Then, we obtained the stress-strain and stress-electric displacement curves for this piezoelectric composite under impact loading using a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) experimental apparatus and an additional electrical output measurement system. Based on the micromechanics of the composite materials, we assumed that damage occurred only in the cement paste. The mechanical response relationship of the piezoelectric composite was calculated as the product of the viscoelastic constitutive relationship of the cement paste and a constant, where the constant was determined based on the reinforcement properties of the mechanical response of the piezoelectric composite. Using a modified nonlinear viscoelastic Zhu-Wang-Tang (ZWT) model, we characterized the stress-strain curves of the piezoelectric composite with different strain rates. The dynamic sensitivity and stress threshold of the linear response of the samples were calibrated and fitted. Thus, a mechanic-electric response equation was established for the 2-2 type cement-based piezoelectric composite considering the strain rate effects.

Micromechanical modeling for the prediction of time-dependent effective properties and macroscopic coupled field response of polymer reinforced piezoelectric composites

In the time domain, a new straightforward micromechanical modeling is developed to predict the time-dependent behavior and the macroscopic coupled response of polymer piezoelectric composite materials. The modeling is based on the dynamic electroelastic Green’s tensor allowing the derivation of convolution localization equations in Stieltjes space. The Mori-Tanaka micromechanical model is adopted to derivate the dynamic electroelastic localization tensor. The presented modeling leads to an expression of the time-dependent effective electroelastic properties directly in the time domain, without an iteration procedure, through convolution products in Stieltjes space. It allows the prediction of the time-dependent behavior and the coupled macroscopic response while taking into account the constituent properties, volume fractions, and shape of inclusions. In implementing the expression of the effective behavior, one has to go through the computation of direct and inverse tensorial convolution products. A trapezoidal numerical scheme is adopted for this sake. Many numerical results are presented, and for the sake of validation, a comparison is made with the ones obtained based on the Laplace transform approach as well as with experimental and numerical results.

Electrospun Environment‐Friendly Poly (L‐Lactic Acid)/CO2‐Based Polyurea Nanofiber Film for Piezoelectric Sensor

AbstractDeveloping piezoelectric polymers which have environmental‐friendly raw material resources and can be used for wearable electronic devices, are of great significance for reducing dependence on fossil energy and achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. Poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) is a bio‐based piezoelectric polymer and has important research value. To optimize the properties of materials, electrospinning technology is used for preparing nanofiber films by combining PLLA with CO2‐based polyurea (PU) synthesized from CO2 and diamine, and assembling the piezoelectric sensors. The results show that when the amount of PU is 16 wt%, the voltage of the PU/PLLA piezoelectric sensor is 19 V, which is 15 times that of the PLLA piezoelectric sensor and has good stability and durability. The high dipole moment of NHCONH in PU and the synergistic effect between PU and PLLA are the keys to improving the piezoelectric property of nanofiber film. This is the first report on the preparation of composite piezoelectric materials using CO2‐based polymer and PLLA. PU/PLLA piezoelectric sensor can produce a good piezoelectric response to human vital signs and motion states. As a self‐powered sensor, it has potential application in the field of intelligent wearable devices.

Length and polarity dependent saturation of the electromechanical response of piezoelectric semiconducting nanowires

The question of the length dependence of the electromechanical response of semiconducting (SC) piezoelectric nanowires (NWs) was explored. We identified a new physical mechanism of piezoresponse saturation, which originates from the combination of the influence of interface traps and piezoelectric polarization in the depleted NW. Our results are in better qualitative agreement with experimental observations than presently existing theories. To do so, we used the finite element method to simulate the coupled set of equations describing mechanical, piezoelectric and SC properties. In order to reduce the number of parameters, simulations focused on the case of uniform ZnO NWs grown along the c-axis. Saturation was explained by the incapacity of surface traps to maintain depletion along the whole NW beyond a certain length, as a result of the electric potential shift induced by piezoelectric polarization. An analytical model was developed to support this analysis. It provided the dependence trends of saturation length and piezoresponse as a function of NW dimensions, doping level, surface traps density and crystal polarity, as well as with external pressure, in fair agreement with simulation results. Moreover, we discovered that one consequence of this mechanism was that crystal polarity had an impact on the smoothness of the radius-dependent transition between high and low piezoresponse under axial stress. These results have important implications for the optimization of electromechanical sensors and nanogenerators based on piezoelectric SC NWs and related composite materials.