Piezoelectric textile fibers and fabrics for sensors and energy harvesting

Purpose and goal

Aim was to further develop and integrate piezoelectric fibers with electronics in textiles. The fabrics have been used as sensors for mechanical and thermal deformation as well as to extract electrical energy from body movements for driving electronics. The project has generated a number of prototypes in which the textiles and electronics have been integrated to demonstrate the potential of the concept. Example is a pressure sensitive textile keyboard for wireless communication with a reader and webbing for generation of energy from body movement and detecting pulse and breathing

Results and expected effects

The project has generated valuable technical knowledge documented in scientific publications, patent applications and prototypes. Close relationships have been built up with the Fraunhofer ISS, which resulted in a joint publication, and new project applications. Efforts to valorize the concept will continue in a project funded by the SSF. The overall aim is to develop a new sensor with advanced signal processing and communication system integrated in a comfortable garment. The sensor system is intended to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases.

Approach and implementation

This work was conducted as a joint project between partners with expertise in selected areas: Development of electro-active bi-and tri-component fibers - Swerea IVF, CITEVE Development of woven functional structures - FOV Fabrics Development of knitted structures - GOFER Microelectronics for power generation from piezoelectric materials - Fraunhofer ISS Medical sensor technology - Core Science Data collection and wireless communications - Esys The partnership has worked well and led to deeper relations, especially with the Fraunhofer ISS and CITEVE.