PP-based composites with two mineral fillers (perlite or glass beads) were manufactured by extrusion, and then subjected to orientation in a ratio of 3:1. Electrets were obtained in the polarization process under the influence of a constant electric field. Sample morphology was tested by SEM whereas the crystallinity was determined by XRD. Mechanical strength and thermal stability of composites was studied by tensile tests and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The piezoelectric characteristics were appointed by measurement of the electrical charge and current voltage in the polarized samples. The dependence of thermally stimulated depolarized current (TSDC) on temperature was also investigated. The piezoelectric coefficient (d33), the electret stability over time as well as activation energy of depolarization process have been determined. It was found that low filler content (i.e. 2.5 and 5 wt.% of glass beads and perlite, respectively) significantly improve piezoelectric properties of isotactic polypropylene (i-PP).

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The literature review based on the works published over the last decade concerns the progress in research on innovative piezoelectric materials with current or potential practical applications. At the beginning, the nature of piezoelectric phenomenon is clarified. The main emphasis is put on presentation of polymers, biopolymers and polymer composites as well as hybrid materials with piezoelectric properties. Moreover, carbon nanomaterials are also included. These materials have recently become an intensively developing field, as evidenced by numerous scientific publications. Furthermore, the recently reported main methods of characterizations and selected examples of modern applications of piezoelectric materials in various fields (electronics, industry, medicine) have been discussed. The bibliography includes 217 references.

This article presents a method for preparing and testing the piezoelectric properties and stability of cellular electret based on polypropylene (PP). Introducing 5% mineral filler as a mixture of crystalline silica, colloidal silica, and kaolin to isotactic polypropylene followed by a film stretching process resulted in the formation of a composite cellular structure. To manufacture electrets, the films were polarized at a constant electric field in the range from 100 V/lm to 125 V/lm, in a climatic chamber heated up to 80°C. The durability of the electrets was determined using thermostimulated discharge currents and approximate calculations of depolarization process activation energy. For electrets made of cellular films, the depolarization temperature T m at which the density of the discharge current assumes the highest value was $108°C and the activation energy was 6.25 eV. The response of the polarized composite film to mechanical stress expressed as the piezoelectric constant d 33 was about 3 times higher than for a-PP film of the prevailing atactic phase and poly(vinylidene fluoride) film without a cellular structure. In the range of stress of 1 kPa to 120 kPa it was 135 pC/N for lower stresses and 60 pC/N for higher stresses.

The effect of silica filler (in the form of glass beads) on polyethylene composite properties has been studied. Conditions for obtaining polyethylene-based composites in the extrusion process were developed. Two types of such composites were prepared: non-oriented and oriented in the uniaxial stretching process in a ratio of 3:1. The morphology, microstructure (including crystallinity degree), mechanical resistance, and thermal stability of the obtained composites containing 2.5-10% of the filler were analyzed by the scanning electron microscopy connected with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry methods, and tensile tests. In order to induce piezoelectric effect, the samples were charged with a direct current of 100 V/μm at 85 °C. The piezoelectric properties of the polyethylene composites were determined by the measurement of charge and voltage of current generated during action of stress up to 120 kPa. Piezoelectric coefficients, d 33 and g 33 , versus applied stress were determined and the stability of electrets stored during 2-5 months was tested too. The best piezoelectric properties were found for medium-density polyethylene composite containing 5% of glass beads.

Purpose -This paper aims to present a prototype of the diagnostic system for the examination of the distribution of the force applied by foot to substrate during usual human moving. Presented system is competitive to other currently available devices, thanks to sensors reliability, user-friendly operation manner and design based on cheap parts. The results of examinations are transmitted by radiomodem. Its recording and visualization are possible on either personal or mobile computers. Design/methodology/approach -During selection of the sensors substrate, many polymeric electrets were examined. Polyvinylidene fluoride films were selected, because they have good charge uniformity across the surface, wide range of acceptable temperatures, linear relation between mechanical stress and output signal and high resistance for squeezing. The system measures the charge generated in film. Findings -The pressures are recorded in relation to maximum value; therefore, measuring system does not require calibration. The simultaneous recording of data from all eight sensors allows tracking the signal without distortion. Originality/value -An array of sensors is installed in the shoe insole. The measuring device is fixed to the outer surface of the shoe. Its weight is 75 g. The range of transmission is suitable for examination in the natural environment, outside traditional consulting room. Software is dedicated for analysis of the pressure distribution in every moment of the foot movement. The system is suitable for examination of flat feet, diabetic foot and recovery progress after injures.

The development, universality and miniaturization of electronic devices leads to the search for new piezoelectric materials, among which recently, polymers play an increasingly important role. In this work, composites based on two types of polyethylene—high density polyethylene (HDPE), and medium density polyethylene (MDPE)—and aluminosilicate fillers were obtained by extrusion process. This method allowed obtaining flexible electrets in the form of a thin film after polarization under a constant electric field of 100 V/μm. The morphology of the composites was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the crystallinity was determined by X-ray diffraction. The mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composites were examined by means of tensile tests and thermogravimetry, respectively. The piezoelectric characteristics were appointed by measuring the electric charge and the voltage in the polarized samples. Piezoelectric coefficients, and the stability of electrets over time were also determined. Moreover, the effect of film orientation on piezoelectric properties was investigated. Composites with appropriate morphology (i.e., well dispersed filler particles in the polymer matrix and formed holes) were obtained which ensured permanent electrical polarization. It was found that the best piezoelectric, mechanical properties and thermal stability exhibits HDPE composite with 5% of aluminosilicate filler.

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