Tohoku University Technology: Piezoelectric-magnetostrictive composite and power generation element: T18-006

Mechanical energy conversion into electrical energy with more efficiency by interaction between piezoelectric and magnetostrictive films

In recent years, power generation element that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as vibration, has been attracting attention. For example, piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials are known to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. However, mechanical energy such as vibration has not been fully used so far. Therefore, there is a need for power generation element that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy more efficiently.　 　This invention is able to provide a high power generating element and a piezoelectric-magnetostrictive composite to use for this device. This invention laminates a magnetostrictive film and a piezoelectric film and forms a microscopic irregularity at the interface between them. This configuration increases the frequency of contact between the 2 materials at the microscopic interface area, causing electromagnetic physical interaction between magnetostrictive film and piezoelectric film, which improves the power generation element's output characteristics. This allows mechanical energy to convert efficiently into electrical energy.

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