Ricoh advances energy-generating rubber

Tokyo – Japanese group Ricoh has developed an energy-generating rubber that converts pressure and vibration into electric energy at high efficiency.

The material employs a new electricity-generating mechanism developed by Ricoh, in collaboration with Tokyo University of Science. The technology is based on molecular-level analyses of the mechanism using advanced computational chemistry.

The product is being targeted at energy-harvesting and sensor applications, where it is claimed to offer advantages over established ceramic and polymer piezoelectric materials.

Piezoelectric ceramics are widely used in pressure and vibration sensors but are fragile, heavy and require the use of lead. These limitations can be overcome by using flexible polymers, such as PVDF, but these alternatives generate much less electricity.

The new ‘energy-generating rubber’ generates as high a level of electricity as ceramics while its appearance is a soft and flexible sheet, said a recent Ricoh announcement.

The Tokyo-based company aims to further develop and then commercialise the material especially for use in flexible sensors and devices required for Internet of Things technology.

(Image source: CPI)