Piezoceramic

Piezoceramic is a ceramic material that exhibits the direct piezoelectric effect and the converse piezoelectric effect. The direct piezoelectric effect causes a material to generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress. Conversely, the converse piezoelectric effect causes the material to deform mechanically when an electric field is applied across it.

The discovery of the piezoelectric effect dates back to 1880 when French physicists Pierre and Jacques Curie observed it in crystals like quartz. Piezoceramics are man-made materials specifically engineered to possess strong piezoelectric properties, often exceeding those of natural crystals. Common piezoceramic materials include lead zirconate titanate (PZT), barium titanate, and lead titanate.

These materials find widespread applications due to their ability to convert between electrical and mechanical energy. In sensors, the direct piezoelectric effect is utilized to detect pressure, vibration, and acceleration, transforming physical forces into measurable electrical signals. Examples include microphones, accelerometers, and pressure sensors.

The converse piezoelectric effect is employed in actuators, where an electric field causes precise movement or vibration. This is used in applications such as inkjet printers, ultrasonic transducers for medical imaging and cleaning, and in micro-positioning systems. Piezoceramics are also used in resonant devices like oscillators and filters, where their stable mechanical resonance can be controlled by electrical signals. Their robust nature and ability to operate in various environments make them integral to many modern technologies.