Funding for a flexible laminate to power electronics

A Canadian scientist is receiving federal funding that will help further develop a stretchable, flexible laminate that can provide power to a wide range of electronic devices.

Dr Anna Ignaszak, an associate professor at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), has been working for three years to develop a rechargeable coating designed to deliver long-lasting power in small devices such as smart watches and to offset demands that gadgets make on planes and cars. “For instance,” she said, “on an aircraft where there are screens for each passenger, the back of each screen could be coated with this laminate, providing power while lowering the overall load on the aircraft’s power system.”

Dr Ignaszak’s laminate is different from other flexible materials designed to deliver power in that it is stretchable, she said, noting, “It can be crafted to different sizes and shapes to adjust to the device easily. The thicker it is, the more energy it can store.”

Last month, Dr Ignaszak’s research became one of more than 220 projects across 51 universities to receive funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The funding was announced by Minister of Science Kirsty Duncan through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund, enabling universities and researchers to carry out groundbreaking research in world-class facilities.

Dr Ignaszak is drawn to research on power systems as part of the global drive for zero-emission technologies. Her innovation, for instance, could allow devices in electric or hybrid cars to run without drawing from the vehicle batteries, improving the performance of the vehicle.

The laminate is now undergoing testing. Funding of $150,000 will allow Dr Ignaszak to purchase specialised equipment for her lab at UNB, further propelling development.

Pictured: Dr Anna Ignaszak. Image credit: Rob Blanchard/UNB Photo.