Bortot, Eliana, Springhetti, Roberta and Gei, Massimiliano ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3869-7504 2014. Enhanced soft dielectric composite generators: the role of ceramic fillers. Journal of the European Ceramic Society 34 (11) , pp. 2623-2632. 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2013.12.014 |
Abstract
A notable issue in the field of dielectric elastomers is the characterization of composite materials with improved electromechanical coupling destined for mechanical-to-electrostatic energy converters. To this aim, random composites, where ceramic fillers with high dielectric constant are dispersed in a silicone matrix, represent an interesting option. Currently, the most promising reinforcing materials to be immersed in a silicone matrix, already tested for soft dielectric actuators, are lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate (PMN–PT) and lead zirconate-titanate (PZT). To estimate the performance improvement entailed by the composite device with respect to the homogeneous matrix, a typical four-phase cycle is considered in the model, where nominal load and electric charge are alternately held constant. Different materials are being studied: a composite consisting of a matrix in poly-dimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) reinforced with PMN–PT, assuming a filler concentration of 10% in volume and a PDMS–PZT composite with a 1% volume fraction of the ceramic component. In comparison with pure PDMS, the PDMS–10%PMN–PT allows an increase of more than 60% in the harvested energy per unit volume, while the PDMS–1%PZT composite, entailing a minor improvement, here in the range 23.5–37.4%, exhibits a better performance in terms of generated energy per unit weight. These results provide a guide for the choice and design of materials suitable for the realization of enhanced energy harvesters.
Item Type: | Article |
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Date Type: | Publication |
Status: | Published |
Schools: | Engineering |
Subjects: | T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) |
Additional Information: | Available online 13 January 2014 |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
ISSN: | 0955-2219 |
Last Modified: | 28 Oct 2022 09:17 |
URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/74032 |
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