PZT-based flexible piezoelectric sensors for real-time condition monitoring

Endowed with high sensitivity, fast response, and excellent flexibility, flexible piezoelectric sensors proffer substantial advantages for establishing efficacious contact with coarse object surfaces. They exhibit remarkable potential for application in wearable devices, motion state recognition, and device vibration monitoring. This paper introduces the development of a novel pliable piezoelectric nanocomposite harnessing modified lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and a flexible photosensitive resin. The PZT-based flexible piezoelectric sensors were fabricated using the light-curing molding technique. By establishing a sensor test platform, the performance parameters of the PZT-based sensors were obtained. Compared to conventional flexible piezoelectric sensors, the output voltage of the PZT-based sensors increased by 1.67 times under the same excitation, resulting in an improved response time and sensitivity. Moreover, the sensors demonstrated an excellent voltage output performance for recognizing human motion states and monitoring electrical equipment vibrations, both in real-time motion state changes and in core vibration under high-frequency operating conditions. These 3D-printed flexible piezoelectric sensors assume paramount significance across diverse domains, including motion science and real-time equipment condition monitoring.