Ricoh reveals what it calls "Energy-Generating Rubber"-- a flexible material able to convert pressure and vibration into electric energy with "high efficiency."
The company says the material combines the best properties of two current piezoelectric (as in able to convert mechanical strain into electrical charge), ceramics and polymers. Ceramics generate "relatively high" electricity but are fragile and heavy, while polymers are flexible but only produce "very slight" power.
On the other hand the Energy-Generating Rubber promises to be a better solution, being a soft and flexible sheet with the electrical output of piezoelectric ceramics. The flexibility also allows for easy processing, the company adds.
Ricoh is currently analysing the material further before looking into commercial applications, such as use in flexible sensors making the Internet of Things.
Go "Energy-Generating Rubber" Combines Flexibility and High-Output
