Development of a novel Bi4Ti3O12/chitosan/rGO piezoelectric bio-composite for mechanical energy harvesting: Output energy optimization using response surface methodology modelling.

This study focuses on the development of a novel 0–3 bio-piezoelectric composite utilizing bismuth titanate (Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12) as the piezoelectric ceramic, chitosan as the polymer matrix, and graphene as a doping element. The primary objective of this study was to study the relationship between the mechanical, piezoelectric, and electrical properties within the developed 0–3 bio-piezoelectric composite. By systematically varying the weight percentages of bismuth titanate ceramic and graphene, our aim was to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these variations influence key properties such as young's modulus for flexibility, the piezoelectric coefficient d 33 , electrical conductivity, and voltage output. This exploration was driven by the recognition that these properties are interconnected and crucial for the performance of piezoelectric materials in practical applications. Response surface methodology (RSM) was specifically utilized to model the composite response, optimizing process variables through statistical and mathematical analyses. Through rigorous experimentation and modeling the optimal balance that maximizes conductivity, enhances piezoelectric performance, and ensures reliable voltage generation was determined. The optimum formula selected is the one prepared using a piezoelectric ceramic weight percentage of 35,07 %, and graphene weight percentage of 0.9 % for a harvested voltage equal to 12,05 V. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) Images of the optimized composite system revealed the uniform distribution of the fillers in the polymer matrix. The optimized composite design resulting from this systematic investigation holds significant promise for practical applications in energy harvesting and sensor technologies, aligning with the demands of Industry 4.0 and IoT technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]