Enhancing the Performance of 1–3 Lead-Free Piezoelectric Composites Using a CNT-Doped Matrix

Abstract

This work presents a computational study on the impact of carbon nanotube (CNT) enriched matrix on the performance of 1–3 lead-free piezoelectric periodic composites. Specifically, we investigate a piezoelectric composite system consisting of [Formula: see text] parallel aligned fibers of polycrystalline barium titanate (BaTiO3) embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix doped with multiwalled CNT. The effective properties and several figures of merit have been obtained to evaluate the performance of this composite system as is typically done for these materials used for sensing, actuating, or harvesting applications. The results reveal that, in lead-free BaTiO3/PDMS piezocomposites, the addition of CNTs in the PDMS matrix should be [Formula: see text] “being [Formula: see text] the percolation threshold”, but not higher. In another case, we will only improve the performance of the lead-free piezocomposite for sensing or actuating, but not for energy harvesting applications. This study provides insights into the use of multiwalled CNTs in lead-free piezocomposites and suggests the optimal concentration of CNTs to enhance their performance. The findings have potential implications for the development of new piezoelectric materials and devices for sensing and harvesting applications.