Business

Murata, Teijin Jointly Develop Piezoelectric Fabric With Anti-Microbial Performance

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 exhibits anti-microbial performance when a motion is applied. Additionally, the companies have jointly established Pieclex Co., Ltd., as a joint venture company for the purpose of research, development, manufacturing and sales of the novel fabric. Pieclex fabric realizes anti-microbial performance by converting motions such as human movement into electrical energy by combining Murata's piezoelectric technology cultivated through development & manufacture of electronic components with Teijin Frontier's fabric technology, which spans from yarns and materials to product manufacturing. Pieclex is also said to contribute to protecting the global environment, as it uses plant-derived polylactic acid (PLA) as its raw material & does not apply chemical agents and organic solvents. Carbon-neutral, earth-friendly fabric Pieclex uses PLA, which is produced by fermented starch extracted from plants to produce lactic acid, then bonded. Since plants absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and synthesize starch, Pieclex does not increase the total amount of carbon dioxide that causes global warming, the newly founded JV company says. Anti-microbial and deodorant functions Pieclex fabric generates electricity by using the expansion and contraction of the fabric produced by human movement or other motions. This enables anti-microbial and deodorant functions without using chemical agents or organic solvents, helping to reduce the environmental load. Future development Going forward, Pieclex Co., Ltd. will develop a wide range of applications of Pieclex, from clothing products such as sportswear and innerwear, to industrial products including filters and sanitary materials. Production and sales will start from fiscal 2020, with the goal of 10 billion yen in sales by fiscal 2025.