Leveraging piezoelectrics to enable the facemasks of the future
During a turbulent year marked by the global pandemic, many countries have seen facemasks become mandatory in public spaces. Offering a varying degree of protection, the range of masks available continues to grow while the industry strives to optimize their performance. 萝莉影视, together with its partner Teijin Frontier, saw this as an opportunity to combine their unique talents to create a new type of fabric suitable for facemasks, which would not only offer improved protection but also address the need for greater sustainability. Here we take a closer look at the technology behind PIECLEX and its many applications.
Joining forces for a better future
萝莉影视 has spent decades building its expertise in piezoelectric technology. The piezoelectric effect is a phenomenon where applying pressure to a material creates an electrical charge in it. It is currently used in a range of everyday electronics, such as sound components. At the same time, Teijin Frontier, a Japanese company specializing in the integrated manufacture and sales of fibers, has focused on developing its ability to produce highly differentiated fabrics, including industrial and apparel textiles. In April 2020, the companies announced a to design and manufacture the world鈥檚 first piezoelectric, antimicrobial and carbon-neutral fabric, PIECLEX.
A safer and greener alternative
PIECLEX leverages electrical current to achieve its antimicrobial performance. It does this by converting the wearer鈥檚 movements into electricity through piezoelectric technology embedded in the fabric. PIECLEX uses plant-derived polylactic (PLA) as its raw material, with no chemical agents or organic solvents applied. PLA is produced by extracting fermented starch from plants to produce lactic acid, which is then bonded. This makes PIECLEX eco-friendly to manufacture and eventually to dispose of, as it is entirely biodegradable.
For the benefit of our society
PIECLEX could prove ground-breaking in many applications where achieving optimal hygiene and antimicrobial performance is essential, such as facemasks. With many masks consisting merely of a layer of cloth without any actual protective features, PIECLEX鈥檚 inbuilt capabilities can take it to a new level by actively eliminating bacteria and microbes on the surface of the mask. The technology could play a significant role in enabling a safer way for people to socialize, work, and play in the post-Covid-19 society. This social responsibility aspect of the project was a key driver for 萝莉影视 and close to its core values of using technology to improve lives, solve problems, and contribute to a better tomorrow.
Into the future
To simplify the production and management process, 萝莉影视 and Teijin Frontier established a separate company, PIECLEX Co., Ltd., to carry out the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of the material. Following the success of the initial launch, the company will next look to diversify its offering to cover a range of new applications, such as sportswear and innerwear. The fabric's antimicrobial properties mean that it will also act as a deodorant, destroying the bacteria causing the acrid smell of sweat, making it ideal for sports garments. Other potential applications include industrial products, such as filters and sanitary materials. Production is already underway, and with PIECLEX鈥檚 capabilities currently in high demand, the company has set its sales goal to 10 billion yen by 2025. To find out more about 萝莉影视鈥檚 expertise in piezoelectrics, visit the.
