Scientists introduce a fresh form of bendable, environmentally-conscious electronic plastic for wearable technology and sensors.
A team of researchers, led by Professor Philip Taylor and including Elshad Allahyarov, Jiahao Huang, and other esteemed scientists, have made a significant breakthrough in the field of materials science. They have developed a new ferroelectric polymer that is free from fluorine, a harmful "forever" chemical, and could revolutionise the world of wearable electronics and sensors.
Ferroelectric materials, which exhibit spontaneous polarization that can be reversed by an electric field, are crucial for the development of smaller, more efficient electronic devices. The newly developed polymer, which has been detailed in a Science journal publication, offers a promising alternative to the dominant ferroelectric polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride), or PVDF, which does not naturally degrade in the environment.
This new polymer holds significant potential in various technological applications, particularly in wearable electronics and sensors. Its flexibility and tunable electronic properties make it suitable for applications requiring on/off switches, such as in fitness trackers or smartwatches. Furthermore, the ferroelectric properties of this polymer make it suitable for sensors, including those used in ultrasound diagnostic tools, and environmental sensors and detectors.
One of the key advantages of this eco-friendly polymer is its flexibility. Unlike traditional ferroelectric materials, this polymer generates electric properties without requiring crystallization, offering a novel approach to electronic design. This property, combined with its ability to be tuned, allows for customization in various applications.
The team is excited about the potential to replace environmentally harmful plastics in sensors and detectors with the new material. The material's potential uses are vast due to its flexibility and eco-friendly structure. The research on the new material was initially supported by a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2017, and subsequently by two grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation, from 2021-25 and renewed to 2028.
The research team includes members from Case Western Reserve, Penn State University, Vanderbilt University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Tennessee State University, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The new material is patent pending, and the team is currently focusing on synthesizing small quantities and investigating the properties of the new material.
The material's potential uses extend to soft, pliable, and elastic infrared detectors and sensors for wearable electronics, as conventional ceramic ferroelectric materials are rigid and brittle. As the research progresses, it is expected that this new ferroelectric polymer will pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in the field of wearable electronics and sensors.
References: [1] [Link to the Science journal publication] [2] [Link to the official press release] [3] [Link to the Case Western Reserve University news article]
The newly developed polymer, being detailed in a Science journal publication, adds significant value to the field of environmental science by offering a promising alternative to the dominant ferroelectric polymer, PVDF, which does not naturally degrade in the environment. Its flexible and tunable properties make it an attractive choice for technology applications, particularly in the development of eco-friendly wearable electronics and sensors.
