Piezoelectric polymer composites for sensors and actuators

As a result of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 paradigms, based on increasing interconnectivity, the development of advanced high-performance materials for sensor and actuator applications are increasingly required. In particular, piezoelectric composites are of large scientific and technological interest from fundamental and applied point of views. Piezoelectric composites are applied in a wide range of applications as they combine the excellent properties of polymers and ceramics. The definition and properties of piezoelectric materials and composites are presented as well as the recent applications in areas such as electronics, energy harvesting, environmental sensors and biomedical applications. The outlook and future trends for piezoelectric composites are also provided.FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) for financial support under the framework of Strategic Funding grants UID/FIS/04650/2020, UID/EEA/04436/2020 and UID/QUI/0686/2020; and project no. PTDC/FISMAC/28157/2017, PTDC/BTM-MAT/28237/2017 and PTDC/EMDEMD/28159/2017. The authors also thank the FCT for financial support under grants SFRH/BD/145455/2019 (E.C.), SFRH/BD/145345/2019 (L.F.) and SFRH/BPD/112547/2015 (C.M.C.). Financial support from the Basque Government Industry and Education Departments under the ELKARTEK, HAZITEK and PIBA (PIBA-2018-06)