Researchers at RMIT University have developed a flexible nylon film device that generates electricity through compression and remains operational even after being hit by cars multiple times, opening the door to self-powered sensors on roads and other electronic devices.

Certain materials, such as quartz, some ceramics, and even bone, generate electrical charges when squeezed, pressed, or vibrated. It is piezoelectric and comes from the Greek word “piezein” which means to push.

Modern vehicles use piezo components for fuel injectors, parking sensors, airbag systems, and other functions.

The team’s nylon innovations could provide more durable alternative materials for such components or support new technologies for traffic management sensing on roads.

This breakthrough addresses a long-standing problem with energy-harvesting plastics. While plastics can generate electricity through movement, they are often too fragile for real-world use, so harnessing the ambient energy naturally present in movement and pressure also reduces carbon emissions.

By harnessing sound vibrations and electric fields to redesign the material at the molecular level, the researchers turned tough industrial nylon into a resilient, power-generating film suitable for wearables, infrastructure, and smart surfaces.

The research team, led by Distinguished Professor Leslie Yeo and Dr. Amgad Rezuk, used high-frequency sonic vibrations while applying an electric field as the nylon solidified, helping the molecules form a more ordered structure. This technology allowed the nylon device to generate electricity every time it was bent, squeezed, or tapped.

Nylon itself does not efficiently convert movement into electricity, limiting its potential to power everyday devices.

The research team used a durable industrial plastic called nylon 11. This plastic, unlike common nylon, can generate electricity under pressure if its molecules are carefully aligned.

Mr Yeo said the team had found a simple way to turn nylon into an “incredibly resilient” energy generator.

“This method has the potential to power next-generation devices that need to withstand real-world stress, such as wearable technology, sensors, and smart surfaces,” said Yeo, from the School of Engineering.

Dr. Amgad Rezuk said the process offers significant benefits to industry due to its energy-efficient and scalable approach.

“From flexible electronics to sporting goods, we’re excited to see where our future industry partners can take advantage of this technology.”

Lead author and RMIT postdoctoral fellow Robert Komljenovic said the nylon film was flexible, strong and reliable, retaining its ability to convert movement into force.

“Our nylon device can easily harvest energy from compression during operation,” Komljenovic said.

“Thin-film devices are so robust that they can be folded, stretched, or even driven over by a car and continue to produce power. This could mean new ways to harness compression from human, machine, or vehicle movement to charge small devices.”

Next steps and opportunities for the industry

The researchers plan to scale up this technology for larger applications and explore partnerships with industry to bring this innovation to market.

Organizations interested in developing new products or further collaboration should contact RMIT. research.partnerships@rmit.edu.au

The paper isElectroacoustic alignment of robust, high piezoelectric nylon 11 films.” is published. nature communications.

Researchers from RMIT’s Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering collaborated on the study.

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