Lab Session 3

Piezoelectric Materials
Piezoelectric materials are materials that produce an electric current when they are placed under
mechanical stress. The piezoelectric process is also reversible, so if you apply an electric current
to these materials, they will change shape slightly (a maximum of 4%).
Piezoelectric devices are used in the construction of the Hydrophones which are used in marine
seismic explorations surveys.

Piezoelectricity:

The piezoelectric effect is a reversible process in that materials exhibiting the direct piezoelectric
effect (the internal generation of electrical charge resulting from an applied mechanical force)
also exhibit the reverse piezoelectric effect (the internal generation of a mechanical strain
resulting from an applied electrical field).
Piezoelectricity is found in useful applications, such as the production and detection of sound,
generation of high voltages, electronic frequency generation, microbalances, to drive
an ultrasonic nozzle, and ultrafine focusing of optical assemblies. It is also the basis of a number
of scientific instrumental techniques with atomic resolution, the scanning probe microscopes,
and everyday uses, such as acting as the ignition source for cigarette lighters, and push-
start propane barbecues, as well as the time reference source in quartz watches.

Piezoelectric Materials
Naturally occurring crystals

Quartz

Berlinite (AlPO4),

Sucrose (table sugar)

 Rochelle salt

Topaz

Tourmaline-group minerals

Lead titanate (PbTiO3).

Dry bone exhibits some piezoelectric properties.

Other natural materials

Biological materials exhibiting piezoelectric properties include:

Tendon
Silk
Wood due to piezoelectric texture
Enamel
Dentin
DNA

Synthetic crystals

Langasite (La3Ga5SiO14),
Gallium orthophosphate (GaPO4),
Lithium niobate (LiNbO3)
Lithium tantalate (LiTaO3)

Synthetic ceramics

Tetragonal unit cell of lead titanate.

Barium titanate (BaTiO3)
Lead zirconate titanate (Pb[ZrxTi1x]O3 with 0 x 1)more commonly
known as PZT
Potassium niobate (KNbO3)
Sodium tungstate (Na2WO3)
Zinc oxide (ZnO)Wurtzite structure.