Piezoelectric fiber mats containing polar rod-shaped pigment particles

We demonstrate converse piezoelectric behavior of electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) fiber mats containing anisometric pigment nanoparticles (Novoperm Carmine HF3C). The effective piezoelectric constant of the fiber mats was estimated to be 2 nm V-1. These findings suggest polarity of the pigment particles obtained by a milling process. Transient electric current measurements were conducted to test the residual polarization of the particles. Piezoelectric fiber mats may be utilized to make colorful electro-active fiber mats and wearable smart clothing.