Piezoelectric Fibers
The operating principle of a piezoelectric fiber is the same direct piezoelectric effect found in films: mechanical strain applied to the fiber alters the dipole alignment within its β-phase crystals, generating a measurable electrical charge along the fiber's length. The 1D fiber geometry, however, provides unique properties. It offers extreme flexibility and a high aspect ratio. When these fibers are woven, knitted, or integrated into textiles, they create a fabric that is inherently "smart," rather than simply having a sensor attached to it. This integration preserves properties like breathability, comfort, and drapability, which are impossible to achieve with solid films.
Piezoelectric Fibers
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InteractOn has the unique Thermal Drawing platform, enabling continuous production of polymer-based fibers.
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We can combine various high-performance & sensitive materials (for example, piezoelectric polymers & AgNWs) in a single fiber with coaxial design.
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Another key advantage of the thermal drawing method is that it pulls the fibers lengthwise, creating a well-formed β-phase crystals, which enables mass production of high-performance fibers.
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Key Advantages:
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Integration and Comfort: Fibers can be directly integrated into textiles using traditional manufacturing processes like weaving, knitting, or embroidery. This approach maintains the fabric's natural flexibility, drapability, and breathability, leading to significantly higher user comfort compared to laminating a rigid polymer film onto a textile.
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Mechanical Durability: A fibrous structure can offer superior mechanical durability and resilience to the stresses of daily wear, including stretching, bending, and washing, compared to a monolithic film which is prone to delamination or cracking.
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Programmable Fabrication: When fabricating fibers, we can customize the fibers in the desired direction by adjusting material factors such as material type and cross-sectional shape, and process factors such as furnace temperature conditions and capstan speed.
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Primary Application: The unique platform for our Piezoelectric Fiber Sensors.