This book addresses and analyzes the mechanisms responsible for functionality of two technologically relevant materials, giving emphasis on the relationship between structural transitions and electromechanical properties. The author investigates the atomic crystal structure and microstructure by means of thermal analysis, as well as diffraction and microscopy techniques. Electric field-, temperature- and frequency-dependent electromechanical properties are also described. Apart from this correlation between structure and properties, characterization was also performed to bridge between basic research and optimization of application-oriented parameters required for technological implementation. The author proposes guidelines to the reader in order to engineer functional properties in other piezoelectric systems, as well as in other similar functional materials with the perovskite structure.

This book systematically reviews the history of lead-free piezoelectric materials, including the latest research. It also addresses a number of important issues, such as new types of materials prepared in a multitude of sizes, structural and physical properties, and potential applications for high-performance devices. Further, it examines in detail the state of the art in lead-free piezoelectric materials, focusing on the pathways to modify different structures and achieve enhanced physical properties and new functional behavior. Lastly, it discusses the prospects for potential future developments in lead-free piezoelectric materials across disciplines and for multifunctional applications. Given its breadth of coverage, the book offers a comprehensive resource for graduate students, academic researchers, development scientists, materials producers, device designers and applications engineers who are working on or are interested in advanced lead-free piezoelectric materials.

Recent Advances in Topological Ferroics and Their Dynamics, Volume 70 in the Solid State Physics series, provides the latest information on the branch of physics that is primarily devoted to the study of matter in its solid phase, especially at the atomic level. This prestigious serial presents timely and state-of-the-art reviews pertaining to all aspects of solid state physics. Contains contributions from leading authorities in the study of solid state physics, especially at the atomic level Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field Presents timely, state-of-the-art reviews pertaining to all aspects of solid state physics

Provides in-depth knowledge on lead-free piezoelectrics - for state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly electrical and electronic devices! Lead zirconate titanate ceramics have been market-dominating due to their excellent properties and flexibility in terms of compositional modifications. Driven by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, there is a growing concern on the toxicity of lead. Therefore, numerous research efforts were devoted to lead-free piezoelectrics from the beginning of this century. Great progress has been made in the development of high-performance lead-free piezoelectric ceramics which are already used, e.g., for power electronics applications. Lead-Free Piezoelectric Materials provides an in-depth overview of principles, material systems, and applications of lead-free piezoelectric materials. It starts with the fundamentals of piezoelectricity and lead-free piezoelectrics. Then it discusses four representative lead-free piezoelectric material systems from background introduction to crystal structures and properties. Finally, it presents several applications of lead-free piezoelectrics including piezoelectric actuators, and transducers. The challenges for promoting applications will also be discussed. Highly attractive: Lead-free piezoelectrics address the growing concerns on exclusion of hazardous substances used in electrical and electronic devices in order to protect human health and the environment Thorough overview: Covers fundamentals, different classes of materials, processing and applications Unique: discusses fundamentals and recent advancements in the field of lead-free piezoelectrics Lead-Free Piezoelectric Materials is of high interest for material scientists, electrical and chemical engineers, solid state chemists and physicists in academia and industry.

Ecological restrictions in many parts of the world are demanding the elimination of Pb from all consumer items. At this moment in the piezoelectric ceramics industry, there is no issue of more importance than the transition to lead-free materials. The goal of Lead-Free Piezoelectrics is to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals and developments in the field of lead-free materials and products to leading researchers in the world. The text presents chapters on demonstrated applications of the lead-free materials, which will allow readers to conceptualize the present possibilities and will be useful for both students and professionals conducting research on ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, smart materials, lead-free materials, and a variety of applications including sensors, actuators, ultrasonic transducers and energy harvesters.

As one of the pioneers of "Piezoelectric Actuators", I have contributed to the commercialization of various products for over 45 years, including million-selling devices, micro-ultrasonic motors for smart-phone camera modules by Samsung Electromechanics, piezoelectric transformers for backlight inverters by Apple laptops, multilayer PZT actuators for diesel injection valves by Denso Corporation, and piezoelectric energy harvesting modules for Programable Air-Burst Munition by the US Army. During the development period for "piezoelectric actuators and transformers," I found that the bottleneck for device miniaturization was heat generation under a high-power drive condition. Thus, in parallel to the piezo-actuator developments, I have been developing various high-power density piezo-ceramic materials with the loss mechanism clarification. Hence, I considered that it was time to organize a textbook based on the previous studies, including my materials development philosophy to stimulate younger generations to reach to the energy density of up to 100 W/cm3 in the future. Increasing efficiency and saving energy and space (compactness) are one of the important approaches in this 21st-century "sustainable society." High-Power Piezoelectrics and Loss Mechanisims introduces the theoretical background of piezoelectrics, electromechanical phenomenology, loss mechanisms, practical materials, device designs, drive and characterization techniques, and typical applications, and looks forward to the future perspectives in this field. This book is NOT an overall review of this area, but it focuses on important and basic ideas under my development philosophy to understand how to design and develop high-power piezoelectric materials and devices. This textbook is designed for self-learning by the reader aided by the availability of: • Chapter Essentials – Summary for quick memory recovery • Check Points – Answers are provided in the Appendix • Example Problems – To enhance the reader’s understanding with full, detailed solutions • Chapter Problems – For the final exam or further consideration