Stretchable electrospun PVDF/TPU nanofibers membranes: Acoustic signals detectors

Nair, Remya; El-kadery, Alaa; Khalil, Alaa M.; El-kaliuoby, Mai I.; Kandas, Ishac; Jain, Ankur; Omran, Nada; Gamal, Mohammed; Noman, Sara; Magdy, Germein; Maree, Kareem; El-Khatib, Ahmed M.; Hassanin, Ahmed H.; Shyha, Islam; Jaradat, Suha; Al-Dubai, Ahmed; Trabelsi, Mohamed; Al Othman, Basil; Shehata, Nader

Abstract

Devices that harvest energy are crucial for reducing reliance on energy transmission and distribution systems. This helps minimize energy loss and mitigate environmental impacts. In this study, we focused on manufacturing nanocomposites using various ratios of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). PVDF, a flexible polymer, shows promise for nanogenerator applications, especially if its piezoelectric properties are enhanced. The nanofiber mat used as a transducer converts sound into electrical signals. We examined the electrical output from auditory signal excitation, analyzing the frequency of applied acoustic signals. The detected electrical signal was compared to the acoustic input signal in terms of frequency and wave distortion. PVDF, known for its piezoelectric capability, can convert mechanical or acoustic stress into electrical voltage. TPU, known for its exceptional flexibility, is widely used in the plastics sector. Our research explored the piezoresponse of nanofiber membranes with different PVDF/TPU ratios. TPU’s superior mechanical stretchability enhances the piezoelectric sensitivity of PVDF/TPU nanofiber mats. This study introduces a novel application of piezoelectric electrospinning nanofiber membranes as acoustic signal detectors. Our results demonstrate that these membranes provide a promising, cost-effective, and innovative solution for capturing acoustic signals.

Citation

Nair, R., El-kadery, A., Khalil, A. M., El-kaliuoby, M. I., Kandas, I., Jain, A., Omran, N., Gamal, M., Noman, S., Magdy, G., Maree, K., El-Khatib, A. M., Hassanin, A. H., Shyha, I., Jaradat, S., Al-Dubai, A., Trabelsi, M., Al Othman, B., & Shehata, N. (online). Stretchable electrospun PVDF/TPU nanofibers membranes: Acoustic signals detectors. MRS Energy and Sustainability, https://doi.org/10.1557/s43581-024-00111-4

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 22, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Oct 10, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 4, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 11, 2025
• Print ISSN: 2329-2229
• Electronic ISSN: 2329-2237
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/s43581-024-00111-4
• Keywords: Acoustic waves, Fiber, Piezo-electric, Sensor, Stretchable, Polymer