Electrostrictive polymers for mechanical energy harvesting

• Published in: Journal of polymer science. Part B, Polymer physics Vol. 50; no. 8; pp. 523 - 535
• Main Authors: Lallart, Mickaël, Cottinet, Pierre-Jean, Guyomar, Daniel, Lebrun, Laurent
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.04.2012; Wiley
• Subjects: Actuators; Applied sciences; Conversion; dielectric properties; Electrical, magnetic and optical properties; Electroactive polymers; Electrodes; Electrostriction; electrostrictive polymers; energy harvesting; Exact sciences and technology; ferroelectricity; Harvesting; nanoparticles; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymers; Properties and characterization; Scavenging; State of the art; Electroactive polymer; electrostrictive polymers; Conversion rate; dielectric properties; energy harvesting; Electrostriction; ferroelectricity; actuators; nanoparticles; Energy conversion; Electric field effect; Actuator
• ISSN: 0887-6266; 1099-0488
• DOI: 10.1002/polb.23045

This article reviews the developments in electrostrictive polymers for energy harvesting. Electrostrictive polymers are a variety of electroactive polymers that deform due to the electrostatic and polarization interaction between two electrodes with opposite electric charge. Electrostrictive polymers have been the subject of much interest and research over the past decade. In earlier years, much of the focus was placed on actuator configurations, and in more recent years, the focus has turned to investigating material properties that may enhance electromechanical activities. Since the last 5 years and with the development of low‐power electronics, the possibility of using these materials for energy harvesting has been investigated. This review outlines the operating principle in energy scavenging mode and conversion mechanisms behind this generator technology, highlights some of its advantages over existing actuator technologies, identifies some of the challenges associated with its development, and examines the main focus of research within this field, including some of the potential applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012 Research into the use of electrostrictive polymers—materials that deform under the influence of an electric field—for energy generation has been growing in intensity over the last few years. Light weight, low cost, and flexibility in both shape and mechanical deformation make them ideal for applications. This review examines the recent advances in the field, the principles, mechanisms, and advantages, as well as focuses on the future challenges in the main research.