Source: PIB
Context: Researchers from Centre for Nano and Soft matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengluru have developed a polymer nanocomposite for pressure sensing and energy harvesting applications and used it to invent a prototype of a road safety sensor.
About Polymer Nanocomposite:
- Chemical and Physical Properties:
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- The polymer nanocomposite is primarily composed of vanadium disulfide (VS2) nanoparticles integrated into polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), a piezoelectric polymer.
- VS2 has high surface charge properties, which enhance the piezoelectric effect of PVDF.
- The nanocomposite exhibits high flexibility, durability, and energy-harvesting capabilities, which are crucial for pressure sensing applications.
- It can generate electricity via the piezoelectric effect, converting mechanical pressure into electrical energy.
- Departments Involved:
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- This project is part of ongoing research by Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru.
- Funded under the INSPIRE faculty fellowship program by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India.
- Features:
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- Self-powered sensor: The nanocomposite generates energy through pressure and does not need an external power source.
- Energy harvesting: The sensor can store energy produced through the piezoelectric effect, which can be utilized to power electronic devices.
- Smart application: It can be used for road safety sensors to alert vehicles approaching dangerous turns or high-risk zones.
- Significance:
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- The polymer nanocomposite demonstrates potential for sustainable and flexible energy generation.
- The application of this technology in road safety can significantly reduce accident rates by providing real-time alerts at critical turning points.
- The use of smart sensors can pave the way for advanced wearable technology and other self-powered devices, contributing to artificial intelligence and automation sectors.
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