Japanese claim world first with piezoelectric fabric

Two leading Japanese companies, Murata Manufacturing and Teijin Frontier, have jointly developed the world’s first piezoelectric fabric called Pieclex, which generates electrical energy and displays antimicrobial functionality when a movement is put on.

Additionally, the companies have jointly established Pieclex Co., Ltd. on 1 April 2020, as a joint venture company with the aim of research, development, production and sales of the novel fabric.

Pieclex fabric realizes antimicrobial performance by switching moves such as human motion to electrical energy by combining Murata’s piezoelectric technology cultivated by means of creation and manufacture of electronic components using Teijin Frontier’s cloth technologies, which spans from yarns and materials into product manufacturing. Pieclex is also said to bring about protecting the international environment, as it utilizes plant-derived polylactic acid (PLA) as its raw material and does not employ chemical agents and organic solvents.

Carbon-neutral, earth-friendly fabric

Pieclex utilizes PLA, which is produced by fermented starch extracted From plants to produce lactic acid then bonded. Since plants consume carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and synthesize starch, Pieclex does not increase the total amount of carbon dioxide that causes global warming, the recently founded JV firm says

Pieclex fabric generates power by using the growth and Contraction of the fabric made by human movement or other motions. This empowers antimicrobial and deodorant functions without using chemical agents or organic compounds, helping reduce the environmental load. Antibacterial function which prevents odour made by bacteria that decomposes perspiration and sebum.

Future growth

Moving forward, Pieclex Co., Ltd. will develop a wide Assortment of Applications of Pieclex, from clothes products such as sportswear and innerwear, to industrial goods such as filters and sanitary materials. Production and sales will start from the financial 2020, with the objective of 10 billion yen in sales by fiscal 2025.

Murata’s Chairman of the Board and President Tsuneo Murata commented On the joint venture, “The cloth developed by the newly created Pieclex Co., Ltd. makes use of Murata’s piezoelectric technology and knowledge cultivated through goods such as SAW filters, resonators, and detectors. To the current, Murata has led largely within the field of electronics, and I am quite happy that this mix using Teijin Frontier’s cloth technology will let us challenge the production of new significance in the sphere of fabrics. This joint venture will take advantage of the firms’ strengths and contribute to the production of prosperous lifestyles via electrical fabrics.”

Teijin Frontier’s President Chief Executive Officer Shinji Nikko, Added, “The piezoelectric cloth developed by Pieclex Co., Ltd. realizes antimicrobial functionality without using chemical agents, etc.. It also raw materials. Pieclex integrates Murata and Teijin Frontier’s Cutting-edge technologies, and that I believe this innovative fabric will be Essential for sustainable future way of life. By offering fabric that has never existed before, we’ll contribute to understand bountiful lifestyles and beautiful atmosphere.”