Switzerland develops new materials for pacemakers and clothing

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Materials Science and Technology have developed a new flexible material that produces electrical current during stretching and compression, including pacemakers and clothing. .

The piezoelectric effect makes this material possible. This effect is most common in analog recording players because it can play music by reading the groove of the record. Through the piezoelectric effect, these vibrations are converted into electrical pulses that generate sound waves. The process of converting mechanical motion into electrical energy is also a change in the materials created by researchers.

DorinaOpris and her colleagues not only created an incredible material, they have broken through the boundaries of the piezoelectric effect we know. Prior to this, it was only observed in crystals, but Opris and her team demonstrated that these properties can also be present in elastomeric materials.

Unfortunately, this exciting new material is not easy to produce. Polar nanoparticles and silica must be processed before being joined. Then, a strong electric field is introduced into the thin, elastic film and a piezoelectric effect is produced by exposing the material to extreme heat and then extremely cold.

This material is undoubtedly interesting. But in addition to novelty, it may have an amazing number of unique applications. Due to its slim, flexible, and organic properties, it can operate more seamlessly with the human body than bulky electronics.

Because of this, it is considered for use in pressure sensors, pacemakers, and other medical devices. The material can also be used in clothing, control buttons, and even wearable displays that generate current through the wearer's motion.