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This new electroactive polymer (EAP) material generates 0.2–1.0mV when bent — even when bent weakly, for a small amount, very slowly, or at low frequencies. The material can be made extremely thin and flexible. This allows it to act in delicate sensor applications such as small liquid flows, haptics, medical/healthcare applications, or in wearable sensor applications. Dexerials is actively seeking potential collaborators/users for new application development based on the EAP sensor technologies.

Working principle

When bent, the film is subject to a change in its volume with an expansion and contraction of its superficial layers. Electricity is generated when the ions in the film move in accordance with the change in volume.

Working principle of the EAP.

One example of a sensor application for the new EAP is slow movement or movement at a low frequency. Piezoelectric film sensors are not suitable for such applications. Furthermore, because the EAP sensor is extremely thin and flexible, it can detect very weak forces, such as a slight change in air flow.

EAP has advantages over existing piezoelectric sensors. It handles slow movement or low frequency movement where piezoelectric sensors cannot. It can detect weaker forces because it is thinner and of greater flexibility.

EAP does not require a battery or bridge circuit as resistance-type flex sensors or strain gauges do, and it can detect weaker forces because of its thinner shape and greater flexibility.

Electromotive force corresponds to the deformation amount.
Electromotive forces maintain during deformation.

Currently, the material is at the stage of prototyping at a small-scale plant. Dexerials is actively seeking development collaborators/users for new applications.


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