Low-cost elastomer-based flexoelectric devices

This work describes the development of flexoelectric devices based on low-cost rubber parts with simple constructions. Flexoelectricity produces fast charging in a phase with rubber strain that can be used in both force sensing and energy harvesting technologies. The force transducer with high effectiveness and accuracy was built using only a flexible non-metal graphite-based electrode sandwiched by two vulcanized rubber parts, displaying a linear relationship between strain gradient and electric response. Also, mechanical-to-electrical energy transduction is benefited from synergy between flexo- and triboelectricity, where an energy harvesting device can be designed as simple as possible, requiring only natural latex to induce charge on an electrode. Moreover, elastomers are expected to play a key role in the next generation of soft electronics and wearable healthcare devices and these results may contribute to the employment of rubbers in many applications that are of great interest in flexoelectric technologies.