electroceramics

Electroceramics are ceramic materials that exhibit electrical or electrochemical functionality. They encompass dielectric ceramics, ferroelectric and piezoelectric ceramics, and solid electrolytes used in electrochemical devices. Dielectric ceramics such as barium titanate-based compositions provide high permittivity and low losses for capacitors, resonators, and filters. Ferroelectric ceramics possess switchable polarization, enabling nonvolatile memory, energy storage, and tunable capacitors. Piezoelectric ceramics, notably lead zirconate titanate (PZT), convert electric energy into mechanical motion and are used in actuators, sensors, transducers, and energy harvesting. Ionic-conducting ceramics such as yttria-stabilized zirconia serve as solid electrolytes in fuel cells and sensors.

Processing and structure: Electroceramics are produced by solid-state reactions followed by densification through sintering; advanced methods include tape casting, screen printing, and hot isostatic pressing. Microstructure, grain size, phase composition, and defect structure influence dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties. Electrical characterization typically includes dielectric spectroscopy, ferroelectric hysteresis loops, piezoelectric coefficients, and impedance analysis.

Material families and issues: Common dielectric ceramics include lead-based and lead-free barium titanate and related perovskites, while PZT remains a standard for piezoelectric applications. Solid electrolytes such as zirconia- or ceria-based ceramics are critical to electrochemical devices. Environmental and regulatory pressures have spurred development of lead-free alternatives and improved stability, reliability, and low-temperature processing. Ongoing research addresses aging, fatigue, and domain-wall dynamics to optimize performance.