Investigation on the Effect of Draw Ratio on Voltage Outputs of Polarised Isotactic Polypropylene Monofilaments

Abstract

Piezoelectric isotactic polypropylene (iPP) monofilaments were prepared by drawing and poling on a laboratory scale melt extruder. Results showed that the filament properties are affected by the drawing ratio. As expected, an increase in draw ratio caused lower filament counts (thinner diameters), higher tensile strengths and higher crystallinities. To invetigate the effect of draw ratio on voltage output of produced samples, a rotational mass was applied onto the samples. Results showed that filaments subjected to a draw ratio of 2:1 had highest voltage output as compared to others. Produced filaments are found to be suitable for use in smart textiles.