PU/PZT composites for vibratory energy harvesting

Piezoelectric composites of PU/PZT with 0-3 connectivity were prepared in the film form. Homogeneous dispersion of the ceramic PZT in polyurethane matrix has been obtained and has been verified by SEM analysis. Dielectric properties reveal that under an electrical field of 1000 V the remnant polarization increased from 1.9 to 4 mu C/cm(-2) when the volume fraction of PZT increased from 50 to 80 %. Modeling and vibratory energy harvesting tests has been realized. At very low frequency and deformation, and without application of any static electric field, 1.15 mu W of power has been obtained. The results obtained in this work contribute to demonstrate the ability of the incorporation of PZT particles in the polymer matrix to improve the conversion efficiency of the vibratory energy into electrical energy for the development of mu-generators.