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We report a novel biodegradable piezoelectric composite fabricated from paper and the piezoelectric salt, sodium potassium tartrate tetrahydrate (Rochelle salt, which we term PiezoSalt). The piezoelectric composite is non-toxic and is fabricated free of environmentally harmful solvents by impregnating PiezoSalt into a paper matrix through the crystallization of a concentrated PiezoSalt brine solution. The composite exhibits an effective piezoelectric constant between 3 and 25 pC N −1 , dielectric constant of 7, mass density of 625 kg m −3 , and a Young’s modulus between 7 and 8 GPa. When directly actuated, cm-scale cantilevers consisting of PiezoSalt paper produced clearly audible sound waves, illustrating one potential application. PiezoSalt paper composite provides a scalable, high throughput approach for biodegradable sensors and transducers with unsurpassed environmentally friendly processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the fabrication of Rochelle salt based piezoelectric structures is illustrated. Structures composed of paper and Rochelle salt are easily manufactured using simple processes. Both manufacturing and the material itself are environmental friendly. Additionally Rochelle salt is biocompatible. In the paradigm of a cleaner piezoelectric technology, the fabrication of active sensing or actuating devices is developed. Thus processing method, material and piezoelectric properties have been studied: (1) pure crystals are used as acoustic actuator, (2) properties of paper impregnated with Rochelle salt are detailed, (3) charge generation is demonstrated on the impregnated material. Actuating and sensing devices are reported in order to highlight the potential of this green piezoelectric material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carbon nanotube papers have many potential applications from actuators to electrodes. Cross-linked papers with embedded nanoparticles are now being investigated for use in these applications. Here we report on the development of piezoelectric multi-walled carbon nanotube paper. The piezoelectric effect of the paper was enhanced by four orders of magnitude by embedding zinc oxide nanoparticles into the carbon nanotube network, resulting in a simple method for producing flexible piezoelectric carbon nanotube paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]