PyzoFlex®

PYZOFLEX®

is an affordable, printable sensor technology that can be implemented on an industrial scale. It allows the large-scale and accurate measurement of temperature and pressure changes in objects and their environment.

 

The three principal characteristics of PyzoFlex: pyroelectric, piezoelectric and flexible!

Intro- duction

The technology is based on sensors based on special, ferroelectric polymers, which are applied using a cost-effective screen printing method. These films can detect localized pressure and temperature changes with high precision.

 

We have named this technology PyzoFlex® because both the pyroelectric effect (e.g., for the creation of temperature-sensitive barriers or robotic hands) and the piezoelectric effect (e.g., for <link internal link in current>3D-touch interfaces) are utilized. Any mechanical deformation caused by contact, pressure or movement can also be used to generate electrical energy (piezoelectric energy harvesting).

ORF Report, October 2019

Pyro- & Piezo- Sensors

Operation

Wherever pressure / temperature changes, vibrations or shock waves occur, piezoelectric and pyroelectric generators can be used to convert mechanical deformation (changes in thickness) and temperature differences into electrical energy. Ferroelectric polymers belonging to the PVDF-Class (polyvinylidene fluoride) are used as a basic material due to the fact that they exhibit strong piezoelectric and pyroelectric activity after a poling procedure. These materials are also extremely stable, UV and weather resistant, flame-retardant and have a high chemical durability.

 

<link internal link in current>more

Application

Area of Application

The range of applications for such large-scale, low-cost sensors, which can be integrated into any curved or textured surface, seems almost unlimited from today's perspective. PyzoFlex® sensors could be used in all areas of daily life and industry, whereby in particular

  • Consumer Electronics (<link internal link in current>Human-Machine-Interfaces),
  • Security (job safety, 360° motion detection, biometrics),
  • User-oriented, efficient housing technologies,
  • Robotics (artificial skin),
  • Life sciences (large-scale, medical diagnostics) and
  • Automotive industries (<link internal link in current>energy Harvesting, security)

are classified as interesting.

Benefits
  • Large-scale and flexible
  • Depending on the design, can be spatially resolved
  • High resistance to environmental conditions
  • Self-powered detection
  • Saves money during production by a using system based on industrial printing processes 
Unlimited Possibilities

Benefits

The PyzoFlex® technology, due to the multi-functionality of the ferroelectric sensor material used, has extensive and complex applications ranging from sensor technology and energy production to component passivation. Some of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, including the need for energy efficiency, socially inclusive communication, daily safety and security and an aging population, can be directly addressed by such technologies. A particular, socially relevant concern is also the simple and intuitive operation of future communication interfaces. These are also important for people with special needs or the elderly, allowing barrier-free access to new and life enhancing technology.

Awards

Awards...

... for the PyzoFlex® technology (awarded to JOANNEUM RESEARCH mbH and project partners).

 

  • IDTechEx Printed Electronics Europe 2011 Academics R&D Award
  • IEEE DEIS Graduate Fellowship award 2011 (JKU-Linz)
  • OE-A Demonstrator Competition 2012: Best Publicity Funded Project    Demonstrator (JKU-Linz, 3PLAST-Projekt)
  • IDTechEx Printed Electronics Europe 2013: Best Poster Award
  • Winner at Fast Forward Awards 2013
  • IDTechEx Energy Harvesting & Storage USA 2013: Best Poster Award
Logo