Fabrication and characterization of piezoelectric poly (lactic acid)/ZnO bionanocomposite films

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Polymer Bulletin

DOI

10.1007/s00289-025-05706-6

Abstract

Piezoelectric materials are highly valued for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa, making them crucial for sensor and energy harvesting applications. This study focuses on fabricating low-cost piezoelectric films using polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (PLA–ZnO). Different concentrations of ZnO (5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 wt%) were added to the PLA structure. The films were created using solution casting technology, and their piezoelectric properties were analyzed. Electromechanical tests showed that ZnO nanoparticles significantly improved the piezoelectric performance of PLA films. Increased ZnO content led to better sensor sensitivity and electromechanical coupling. The highest performance under a 1 kgf impact pulse pressure at 3 Hz was found in PLA–ZnO films with 20 wt% ZnO, with normalized peak-to-peak open-circuit voltages and short-circuit current values of 8.55 Vpp/g and 167.1 nApp/g, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform ZnO nanoparticle distribution within the PLA matrix. Pure PLA exhibited peaks corresponding to the α-form crystal structure, indicating its semi-crystalline nature, while the presence of amorphous regions was shown by peak broadening. Adding ZnO nanoparticles introduced additional peaks for ZnO’s crystalline structure. Overall, ZnO nanoparticles in PLA enhanced piezoelectric properties, making these films promising for sensor and energy harvesting applications. This study offers insights into developing eco-friendly and sustainable piezoelectric materials with the potential for future technological advancements.

Keywords

Bionanocomposite, Eco-friendly materials, Electromechanical coupling, Low-cost piezoelectric films, Sensor sensitivity

Department

Aviation and Technology; Mechanical Engineering

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