Piezoelectric lead-free nanocomposites for sensing applications: the role of CNT reinforced matrices

Piezoelectric materials are employed in a wide range of sensing devices. At present, the vast majority of piezoelectric materials used for industrial applications are ceramic and exhibit a high lead content in their composition. However, the development of lead-free piezoelectric materials is attracting great attention in recent years, with the aim of enabling technologies that are environmentally friendly. This paper discusses the computational design of microstructured lead-free polymer-based piezoelectric nanocomposites suitable for production by 3D printing. Results are presented and further analyzed for various configurations using BaTiO3 inclusions in polymeric matrices enriched with the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNT). By incorporating carbon nanotubes in the matrix, we anticipate a quite significant improvement in the piezoelectric response of the composite, through simultaneous hardening of the matrix and improvement in its permittivity.