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Paper-Embedded Roll-to-Roll Mass Printed Piezoelectric Transducers
Georg C Schmidt1, Pramul M Panicker1, Xunlin Qiu1
1Institute for Print and Media Technology, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Reichenhainer Str. 70, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|January 18, 2021
Summary
This study introduces novel, paper-embedded piezoelectric devices manufactured using roll-to-roll printing. These sustainable, large-area transducers offer a cost-effective solution for flexible electronics and sensors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Electronics
- Transducer Technology
Background:
- Growing demand for lightweight, flexible, low-cost, and sustainable sensors and actuators for ubiquitous electronics.
- Functional polymers offer a promising avenue for piezoelectric transducers meeting these demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel concept for paper-embedded, large-area piezoelectric devices.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of mass production using roll-to-roll (R2R) printing and post-printing technologies.
- To highlight the cost-efficiency and environmental benefits of the developed process.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing roll-to-roll (R2R) mass printing and post-printing techniques, including inline poling.
- Embedding functional layers of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) into paper via hot lamination.
- Conducting R2R printing of a 500 m long web with inline electrical and acoustic characterization.
Main Results:
- Achieved high remnant polarization (up to 78 mC/m²) in fully R2R processed devices.
- Demonstrated a high manufacturing yield of over 90%.
- Successfully realized a 360° surround-sound installation using a 387 cm long paper web with 56 piezoelectric speakers.
Conclusions:
- The developed R2R process enables cost-efficient, environmentally friendly mass production of thin, flexible organic large-area piezoelectric devices.
- Paper-embedded piezoelectric devices offer protected and invisible printed electronics.
- The technology is suitable for diverse applications, including audio systems.
