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Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films offer advantages in microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs) including large motion, lower drive voltage, and high energy densities. Depending on the application, different substrates are sometimes required. Self-heating occurs in the PZT MEMS due to the energy loss from domain wall motion, which can degrade the device performance and reliability. In this work, the self-heating of PZT thin films on Si and glass and a film released from a substrate were investigated to understand the effect of substrates on the device temperature rise. Nano-particle assisted Raman thermometry was employed to quantify the operational temperature rise of these PZT actuators. The results were validated using a finite element thermal model, where the volumetric heat generation was experimentally determined from the hysteresis loss. While the volumetric heat generation of the PZT films on different substrates was similar, the PZT films on the Si substrate showed a minimal temperature rise due to the effective heat dissipation through the high thermal conductivity substrate. The temperature rise on the released structure is 6.8× higher than that on the glass substrates due to the absence of vertical heat dissipation. The experimental and modeling results show that the thin layer of residual Si remaining after etching plays a crucial role in mitigating the effect of device self-heating. The outcomes of this study suggest that high thermal conductivity passive elastic layers can be used as an effective thermal management solution for PZT-based MEMS actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of multifunctional energetics encompasses a range of materials including propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics that possess the ability to be manipulated through various characteristics that can be switched between go and no-go, or those that have controllable energy release levels or have additional functions beyond energetic output. The development of multifunctional energetics harnessing electromechanical or piezoelectric properties of polymeric materials or binder systems has garnered increasing interest in recent years. Among polymers, fluoropolymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and copolymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)], which are used as the binder and oxidizer in the energetic formulations, have demonstrated the highest piezoelectric coefficients. In this study, we fabricated piezo-energetic composite films using aluminum nanopowders (10 wt. % active content) as fuel and P(VDF-TrFE) (70/30) as an oxidizer and investigated the piezoelectric response using a small-scale drop weight setup. Additionally, we employed a shaker setup to investigate the response of the films to vibrations. Our findings demonstrate that these piezo-energetic films can replicate the behavior of a commercial PVDF gauge at relatively low-pressure impacts, indicating their potential use as shock or pressure sensors in various fields, as well as an accelerometer gauge. Additionally, aging studies of up to one year indicated minimal loss in the energetic content of the created films, enabling the use of energetic gauges for an extended period. Our findings support the effectiveness of piezo-energetic composite films as pressure sensors or accelerometers and highlight their potential for energetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a piezoelectric energy harvester that concentrates force on the piezoelectric element by parallel springs. When vibrating, the force exerted by the mass is released at three equal points on the surface of the brass substrate through three parallel springs. This concentrated release of energy through the spring amplification effect facilitates large deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic sheet, resulting in a higher charge output. The results show that under the combined action of a 14 g annular hollow mass and a 0.3 mm wire diameter stainless steel spring, the energy harvester based on the lead zirconate titanate ceramic exhibited an outstanding output power of 1.0–32.1 mW at a low resonance frequency with acceleration amplitudes of 0.5–3 g (1 g = 9.8 m/s2). More importantly, to match the vibration frequency of the actual environment, this paper optimized the structure of the harvester and proposed that the harvester can be designed by selecting the weight of the mass block, the parameters and number of springs, and the shape of the brass substrate. The energy harvester designed in this study is expected to capture energy from low-frequency natural environments and exhibit outstanding output performance, which can provide guidelines for future efforts in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global energy shortage puts stringent demand for energy harvesters capable of transforming external green vibration sources into electrical power. Employing a self-biased magnetoelectric (ME) composite of FeCuNbSiB/Ni/PZT (lead zirconate titanate), a prototype of vibration energy harvester is designed and fabricated. The energy harvester has a circular orbit in which a permanent magnetic cylinder reciprocates once an initial kinetic energy is provided. Upon a vibration signal, like handshaking, movement of the permanent magnetic cylinder causes an alternative magnetic field, which was applied on the ME composite. Via magnetic-force-electrical coupling, the ME composite of FeCuNbSiB/Ni/PZT produces output voltage. Finite element simulation is carried out to reveal the underlying mechanism of the harvester. The analysis shows that a maximum output voltage of 7.63 V can be obtained once an original potential energy is applied for the magnet. In particular, the magnet moves back and forth automatically inside the circular orbit with no need to further apply the energy. The effectiveness of the energy output is experimentally verified. When handshaking the energy harvester, a maximum open-circuit voltage of 5.51 V can be generated. The study offers a solution for power supplying some miniaturized or portable devices, such as small hand set and pedometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparison of magnetoelectric properties of two-layer heterogeneous systems based on Mn0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 ferrite and PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3 piezoelectric ceramics with ratio of the piezoelectric coefficient to the permittivity pd31/pɛ33 = 0.06 and two-layer heterogeneous systems based on Mn0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 ferrite and PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3/epoxy piezoelectric composite with pd31/pɛ33 = 0.07 − 0.09 was carried out. It was revealed that the magnetoelectric properties of the heterogeneous systems enhance with an increase in pd31/pɛ33 for a piezoelectric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, an investigation into preventive measures for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has garnered considerable attention. Consequently, strategies for the proactive prevention of viral pathogens have also attracted significant interest in the field of wearable devices and electronic textiles research, particularly due to their potential applications in personal protective equipment. In this study, we introduce smart textiles designed with optimized piezoelectric devices that exhibit antifouling performance against microorganisms and actively inactivate viruses. These active-type smart textiles, which incorporate advanced lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics, a stretchable interconnector array, and polymeric fabric, demonstrate effective antifouling capabilities, detaching approximately 90% of Escherichia coli and 75% of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, they inactivate viruses, releasing ~26.8 ng of N protein from ruptured SARS-CoV-2, using ultrasonic waves within the wearable platform. Experimental results show that piezoelectric smart textiles significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 by leveraging the electrical and acoustic properties of PZT ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the highly temperature-sensitive nature of the polymorphic phase boundaries, attaining excellent piezoelectric coefficient with superior temperature stability in lead-free piezoceramics via direct compositional design remains a formidable challenge. We demonstrate the synergistic improvement of piezoelectric coefficient and thermal stability in lead-free piezoceramics via atomic-scale local ferroelectric structure design. Via modulation of the local Landau energy barrier at doping sites, we effectively mitigate fluctuations in piezoelectric d33. Our approach achieves an impressive d33 of ~430 pC/N with a minimal temperature fluctuation range (△d33 ~ 7%) across the room temperature to 100 °C in potassium sodium niobate ceramics. Further optimization through annealing extends this temperature up to 150 °C (△d33 ~ 8%) while maintaining a high d33 of ~380 pC/N, rivaling the performance of classic temperature stable lead zirconate titanate. This work establishes a framework for addressing the dilemma between high piezoelectric coefficient and inadequate temperature stability in lead-free piezoceramics. The authors reveal that the incorporation of doping elements with varying electronic structures and ionic radii alters the atomic-scale configuration, thereby affecting the local energy barrier associated with polarization rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic oxygen (AO) in low Earth orbit (LEO) can cause severe progressive damage to spacecraft orbiting at hypervelocities over 7 km/s; therefore, all space-graded materials need to be qualified for protection against these high energy impacts. Instead of treating AO as a threat, can we use these atomic impacts, which have enough energy to cause material failure, to generate power? Despite its potential, no attempt has yet been made to utilize the hypervelocity impact energy of AO. Thus, we propose a piezoelectric energy harvesting method through the hypervelocity AO impact in LEO. In this study, energy harvesting with various configurations was experimentally demonstrated using a conventional lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic plate under oxygen plasma exposure to simulate AO impact. The average output power density was 4 W/m2 under 1.43 × 1016 atoms/cm2s effective AO flux conditions. Our study provides a new method for generating energy in a space environment with limited energy sources. [Display omitted] • Energy harvested from hypervelocity atomic oxygen impact in low Earth orbit. • Piezoelectric energy harvesting at atomic level in simulated space environment. • Output power density of approximately 4 W/m2 from PZT-5A under oxygen plasma. • Challenges and potential of atomic oxygen as a space energy source discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First-principles calculations are performed, revealing a significant enhancement of the piezoelectric properties of wurtzite Zn 3 6 O 3 6 upon the incorporation of a single Cu atom. Research has demonstrated that the piezoelectric constant d 3 3 reaches its maximum value at a doping concentration of 1.4% for Cu atoms. The lattice parameters a and c of Zn 3 6 O 3 6 are decreased and the piezoelectric strain coefficient d 3 3 is increased by replacing one Cu atom in Zn 3 6 O 3 6 . It is found that elastic softening is the primary factor responsible for the increase of d 3 3 in Zn 3 5 Cu1O 3 6 . By differential charge density analysis, it is found that the covalency between Cu–O bonds is lower than that of Zn–O bonds, and the covalent bonding characteristics are weakened. Bader charge analysis shows that the charge of Cu is higher than that of Zn, indicating a more significant ionic bonding feature than that of Zn. Thus, a weaker covalent and stronger ionic bond are considered to play an essential role in promoting elastic softening for ZnO, which eventually promotes a significant enhancement in piezoelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1–3 piezoelectric composites are widely used in piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers due to their high thickness electromechanical coupling factor. However, the applications of the composites in high‐temperature fields are limited by the low heat resistance of both the piezoelectric and polymer phases. To tackle this, we designed and fabricated the BiScO3–PbTiO3/epoxy high‐temperature 1–3 piezoelectric composites. These composites exhibit a high thickness electromechanical coupling factor kt of 63%, a large piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 470 pC/N, and a pure thickness vibration mode. Furthermore, we fabricated a high‐temperature transducer based on the BiScO3–PbTiO3/epoxy 1–3 composites. The bandwidths of the composites measured in water and silicone oil (30% and 23%, respectively) are approximately 1.65 times greater than those of monolithic piezoelectric ceramics (18% and 14%, respectively). The bandwidth of the transducer can be increased to 78% by adding a porous alumina backing layer, with the working temperature reaching up to 300°C. The results indicate that the BS–PT/epoxy 1–3 composite is a potential candidate for high‐temperature transducer applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lead Zirconate Titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride (PZT/PVDF) piezoelectric composite with various volume fractions of PZT is successfully fabricated by the proposed solution casting and hot press methods. The aim of this study is to determine the quality of the composite material being fabricated by its homogeneity. Homogeneity can be determined by computing the free path space between particles based on the binary image of SEM, using dispersion and distribution quantitative methods, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the particles' scattering conditions. In comparison to several selected models providing adjustable factors that are highly related to the effect of homogeneity of the composite's internal structure, a suitable model is found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time structural health monitoring (SHM) and accurate diagnosis of imminent damage are critical to ensure the structural safety of conventional reinforced concrete (RC) and fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) structures. Implementations of a piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sensor network in the critical areas of structural members can identify the damage level. This study uses a recently developed PZT-enabled Electro-Mechanical Impedance (EMI)-based, real-time, wireless, and portable SHM and damage detection system in prismatic specimens subjected to flexural repeated loading plain concrete (PC) and FRC. Furthermore, this research examined the efficacy of the proposed SHM methodology for FRC cracking identification of the specimens at various loading levels with different sensor layouts. Additionally, damage quantification using values of statistical damage indices is included. For this reason, the well-known conventional static metric of the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) and the Mean Absolute Percentage Deviation (MAPD) were used and compared. This paper addresses a reliable monitoring experimental methodology in FRC to diagnose damage and predict the forthcoming flexural failure at early damage stages, such as at the onset of cracking. Test results indicated that damage assessment is successfully achieved using RMSD and MAPD indices of a strategically placed network of PZT sensors. Furthermore, the Upper Control Limit (UCL) index was adopted as a threshold for further sifting the scalar damage indices. Additionally, the proposed PZT-enable SHM method for prompt damage level is first established, providing the relationship between the voltage frequency response of the 32 PZT sensors and the crack propagation of the FRC prisms due to the step-by-step increased imposed load. In conclusion, damage diagnosis through continuous monitoring of PZTs responses of FRC due to flexural loading is a quantitative, reliable, and promising application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancing the development of high‐temperature piezoelectric devices requires high‐performance piezoelectric materials with high Curie temperature, where charge signals can be efficiently collected at elevated temperatures. Recent investigations indicate that bismuth titanate‐ferrite (Bi5Ti3FeO15) is a good high‐temperature piezoelectric material because of its high Curie temperature (TC > 760°C). However, the piezoelectric performance of Bi5Ti3FeO15‐based compounds has not been extensively studied because of their extremely poor piezoelectric performance and low direct current electrical resistivity at elevated temperatures. Herein, we reported the strong piezoelectric performance enhancement in Bi5Ti3FeO15, with the nominal compositions of Bi5‐xEuxTi3FeO15 (BTF‐100xEu). X‐ray diffraction Rietveld refinements and Raman spectra reveal an enhanced lattice distortion in europium‐substituted Bi5Ti3FeO15, which is mainly dominated by rotation distortion. The increased domain wall density that detected by out‐of‐plane piezoelectric force microscopy is in favor of domain wall movement and polarization reversal. Both of the enhanced lattice distortion and the increased domain wall density contribute to the piezoelectric enhancement in Bi5Ti3FeO15, as a result, the optimal composition of BTF‐8Eu exhibits a large piezoelectric constant d33 of 24 pC/N, three times higher than that of Bi5Ti3FeO15. Importantly, BTF‐8Eu exhibits high TC of 782°C, excellent in‐situ piezoelectric response (>94% that of the initial value at room temperature), and stable electromechanical coupling properties up to 400°C. This work reveals the origin of strong piezoelectric enhancement in europium‐substituted Bi5Ti3FeO15 results from the intrinsic contribution of structure distortion and the extrinsic contribution of ferroelectric domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium sodium niobate (KNN)‐based piezoelectric ceramics have emerged as a promising alternative to lead‐based systems due to their exceptional properties. While extensive research has focused on improving the electrical properties of KNN‐based ceramics through doping and processing optimization, the concurrent investigation of their mechanical properties has been lacking. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the mechanical and electrical properties of KNN‐based lead‐free piezoceramics doped with various transition metal oxides and rare earth oxides, based on substantial experimental data. Our findings reveal that the as‐sintered KNN‐based ceramics exhibit not only outstanding electrical properties but also remarkable mechanical robustness compared to conventional toughened lead zirconate titanate (PZT)‐based ceramics. These exceptional electrical and mechanical properties are attributed to the micro‐scale and atomic‐scale structure of the modified KNN‐based ceramics, characterized by a highly condensed structure, an inhomogeneous distribution of nano‐domain structure, and the presence of amorphous intergranular films at grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the dawn of civilization, sandstone has been a fantastic building material. Numerous causes have been observed in the past for sandstone damage or deterioration, one of which is sulphur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and cyanobacteria. In general, SOB is present in the soil, air, water, humidity, and human activity. The oxidation of sulphur compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide, thiosulphate, or elements of sulphur, provides energy for SOB. These microorganisms contribute to the decay of buildings materials, especially those made of stone, metal, or concrete. The sulphur oxidizing process affects the mechanical properties of sandstone. Mechanical properties are related to strength. Losses of mechanical properties may be the reason for deflection, cracking, collapse, and catastrophic failure of sandstone. Monitoring and evaluation gives an idea about the behavior of structure and the prevention of catastrophic failure. This research paper contains the application of electromechanical impedance with surface bonded Piezoelectric Lead Zirconate Titanate. The sandstone samples and soil samples have been collected from the historical site. Two sets of cylindrical types of sandstone specimens have been used in experimental work. The conductance signature and susceptance signature have been measured every six months. The variation and shifting of the signature curve have been used to identify the structural behavioral change. Statistical methods like the root mean square deviation have been used for the quantification of damage. An equitation has been generated on the basis of the percentage root mean square deviation to quantify the prediction of damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic piezoelectric and osteoconductive properties of barium titanate (BT) and hydroxyapatite (HA) could stir the development of a new generation of synthetic bone graft substitutes, with capability for rapid and safe osseointegration. The research focused on two concurrent approaches for coupling the BT and HA materials: (i) conventional sintering of BT-HA powder mixtures; and (ii) functionalization of pre-sintered BT with HA coatings using magnetron sputtering (MS). Irrespective of the BT/HA ratios ranging from 95/5 to 80/20 wt%, nanocrystalline or highly-crystallized nature of the powders, sub-micron- or micron-sized particle dimensions, and sintering temperature, it was observed that the BT-HA reactivity cannot be prevented above 800 °C. At higher temperatures in the range of 1000–1300 °C, HA undergoes decomposition and extensively reacts with BT, leading to the formation of several secondary phases such as CaTiO 3, Ba 2 Ca(PO 4) 2 , BaCa 6 (PO 4) 4 O, BaCa(PO 3) 4 , and β -Ca 2 P 2 O 7. As a consequence, the cytocompatibility assessed in fibroblast and osteoblast cell cultures, as well as the piezoelectric response, were significantly altered. Applying HA coatings by MS to the sintered BT ceramics successfully preserved their piezoelectric properties, while also providing an unaltered cytocompatible and osteogenic-prone surface. The HA coatings were fully crystallized at post-deposition annealing temperatures of 550 and 700 °C, achieving crystalline qualities comparable to HA powders sintered at 1100 and 1200 °C, respectively. No reactivity events between BT and HA were observed. Partial reactivity was only noticeable upon annealing at 1000 °C. Therefore, it is suggested that the HA coating of BT is effective in seamlessly coupling the piezoelectric and osteogenic properties of the two constituents without compromise. • BT-HA powder mixtures inevitably react at high-temperature to form secondary phases. • The HA osteogenic component can be lost at sintering temperatures above 1000 °C. • The secondary phases lead to a decay of the piezoelectric and biological responses. • HA-magnetron sputtered BT – a feasible solution to overcome inter-phases reactivity. • HA-coated BT yields uncompromised piezoelectric and in-vitro biologic performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric optomechanical platforms provide a promising avenue for efficient signal transduction between microwave and optical domains. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin film stands out as a compelling choice for building such a platform given its high piezoelectricity and optical transparency, enabling strong electro-optomechanical transduction. This work explores the application of such transduction to induce Fano resonance in a silicon photonics integrated circuit (PIC). Our methodology involves integrating a PZT thin film onto a silicon PIC and subsequently removing the SiO2 layer to suspend the silicon waveguide, allowing controlled mechanical vibrations. Fano resonances, characterized by their distinctive asymmetric line shape, were observed at frequencies up to 6.7 GHz with an extinction ratio of 21 dB. A high extinction ratio of 41 dB was achieved at the lower resonance frequency of 223 MHz. Our results demonstrate the potential of piezoelectric thin film integration for the generation of Fano resonances on passive photonic platforms such as Si, paving the way for highly sensitive, compact, and power-efficient devices relevant to a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforced Concrete (RC) members in existing RC structures are susceptible to shear-critical due to their under-reinforced design. Thus, implementing a retrofitting technique is essential to eliminate the casualties that could arise from sudden and catastrophic collapses due to these members' brittleness. Among other proposed techniques, using Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Polymers (C-FRP) ropes to increase the shear strength of RC structural elements has proved to be a promising reinforcement application. Moreover, an Electro-Mechanical Impedance (EMI-based) method using Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT-enabled) was employed to assess the efficiency of the strengthening scheme. Initially, the proposed technique was applied to C-FRP rope under the subjection of pullout testing. Thus, a correlation of the rope's tensile strength with the EMI responses of the PZT patch was achieved using the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) metric index. Thereafter, the method was implemented to the experimentally acquired data of C-FRP ropes, used as shear reinforcement in a rectangular deep beam. The ropes were installed using the Embedded Through Section (ETS) scheme. Furthermore, an approach to evaluate the residual shear-bearing capacity based on the EMI responses acquired by being embedded in and bonded to the ropes' PZTs was attempted, demonstrating promising results and good precision compared to the analytical prediction of the C-FRP ropes' shear resistance contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the impact of hot press parameters on lead zirconate titanate (PZT)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite films designed for force‐sensing applications. The systematic fraction (PZT/PVDF), pressure, temperature, and time during hot pressing processes are subject to variation. The focus is on the resulting composite film thickness and its subsequent influence on the piezoelectric properties, which are essential for the performance of force sensors. The present study investigated the characteristics and performance of PZT/PVDF composite films with fraction ratios 2/5, 5/5, and 7/3 and hot pressure of 10, 40, and 60 MPa and temperature at 150 °C for 2 h. The characterization of these films was conducted using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The piezoelectric properties (d33 and d31) were measured using impact and extraction tests to evaluate the performance of films with applied forces. The results show that the highest piezoelectric coefficients (d33 and d31) were determined to be 35.8 and 12.60 pC N−1, with fraction ratios of 7/3 and 2/5. The study revealed a positive correlation between the PZT/PVDF ratio and sensitivity, indicating that an increase in the ratio leads to an increase in sensitivity. Conversely, a negative relationship was observed between the impact load and the sensor sensitivity, suggesting that an increase in the impact load results in a sensitivity decrease. The results of this work demonstrate the great potential of piezoelectric PZT/PVDF composite films in force sensors for small load applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this paper, we describe the fracture mechanisms of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric thin films synthesized by sol-gel processing. One of the technical concerns in piezoelectric thin films is how their surface fractures because, in most cases, the films fail electrically, and the fracture surface is remade after its first fracture. To estimate the failure mechanisms, cantilever-type and clamped capacitor-type actuators made of PZT piezoelectric thin films deposited on a Si wafer were prepared and subjected to electrical and mechanical stresses. The cantilever-type actuators showed a decreasing trend in dielectric withstand voltage with increasing number of mechanical loading cycles. The clamped capacitor-type actuators showed a decreasing trend in withstand voltage with increasing cyclic voltage amplitude. Through mechanical and electrical experiments, we found that the origin of cracking differed from that of short circuit. This finding indicates that the PZT films fractured mechanically, then fractured electrically. The focused ion beam fabrication of a surface defect and scanning electron microscopy observation around the defect suggest a reasonable fracture mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion on the switch rail’s foot may easily lead to rail breakage. Laser ultrasound detection is often used to assess the integrity of rails. Nevertheless, the inadequate photoacoustic conversion efficiency and vulnerability to surface interference of the entirely non-contact laser ultrasound result in a diminished signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), hence impeding the efficient detection and analysis of minor damages in the rail. This work demonstrates piezoceramic material lead zirconate titanate (PZT) wafers in conjunction with a pulsed laser to create a sensor array capable of accurate array image inspections. The PZT sensor arrays are manufactured in a flexible format that may be easily installed and altered to complicated geometries. Pulsed lasers are used to achieve dense and high-frequency array excitation. This study proposes a novel probabilistic picture location identification strategy by merging the variable mode decomposition algorithm based on parameter optimization (PVMD) and the principle component analysis (PCA) algorithm. The aim is to enhance the SNR and increase the accuracy of damage findings. Simulation and experimental tests have demonstrated the accuracy of the suggested mechanisms and algorithms in identifying damaged regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work focuses on studying the pyroelectric properties of chemical solution deposition‐grown Pb1−xLax(Zr0.4Ti0.6)O3 films on nickel substrate which are annealed at constant temperature of 650 °C with lanthanum concentrations ranging from x = 2–8% respectively. Structural studies reveal polycrystalline nature in all the PLZT films. The dielectric constant values rise from 497 to 1048 as La doping concentration rises from 2% to 6% at a constant frequency of 1 MHz, reaching a maximum value of 1048 for 6% La doping with little variation in dielectric loss between 0.03 and 0.05. As La doping level increases from 2% to 6%, the remnant (Pr) and saturation (Ps) polarization values increase from 12 to 47 μC cm−2 and 18 to 53 μC cm−2 respectively. The leakage current is found to be 2.68 × 10−8 A for 2%‐doped PZT film and it reduces to 2.94 × 10−10 A for PLZT (6% doping) film. The influence of lanthanum doping on the pyroelectric properties has been studied in detail. The value of pyroelectric coefficient (p) is varied from 240 × 10−3 to 980 × 10−3 Cm−2 K−1 and current responsivity is varied from 960 × 10−10 to 3920 × 10−10 mV−1 with the variation in lanthanum content from 2% to 6%, respectively. The promising pyroelectric results found in PLZT films encourage these films in energy applications field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flash sintering has been applied to various ceramics since it was first reported. However, the flash sintering of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) at room temperature has not been accomplished. In this study, flash sintering of PZT piezoelectric ceramics at room temperature was realised for the first time. Subsequent to surface treatment in a low-pressure environment, the sample was flash-sintered at a high voltage in air. The sample became dense rapidly during sintering. The results showed that after 300 s of sintering, the flash-sintered samples had a high density (98.1%) and d 33 values (273 pC/N). The d 33 is the highest compared with flash sintering of PZT through the furnace temperature of several hundred degree Celsius. Owing to the extremely short sintering time and the absence of heating devices, this method can greatly reduce energy consumption and lead to volatilisation, providing a new method for the rapid preparation of piezoelectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high strain hysteresis has impeded lead-free piezoelectric ceramics to replace lead zirconate titanate ceramics applied in actuators. In this study, we report a significant advancement with the synthesis of a novel BiFeO 3 -BaTiO 3 -(Ba 0.6 Sr 0.4)TiO 3 (BF-BT-BST) system. The optimal composition has demonstrated a remarkable strain of 0.42 % coupled with a notably low hysteresis of 21 %. It is found that the incorporation of BST into BF-BT facilitates the transition from the rhombohedral phase to the pseudo-cubic phase, which in turn significantly enhances the relaxor ferroelectric characteristics of the ceramic. Through adjusting the composition proportion of BST, a unique ferroelectric domain structure is established for the BF-BT-0.04BST ceramic, where polar nanoregions (PNRs) are surrounded by ferroelectric macrodomains. The domain structure enables the ceramic to have the ability to respond the external electric field quickly compared to the PNRs for typical relaxor composition, thereby leading to large strain and low hysteresis simultaneously. Hence, it is inferred that the ferroelectric macrodomains simplify the response process of the PNRs under electric field. This study provides an efficient strategy to break through the bottleneck of large strain hysteresis for BF-BT ceramic, and gives a deep comprehension for the improvement of the strain characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work investigates the transverse vibration of a piezothermoelastic (PTE) nanobeam in the frame of dual-phase-lag thermoelasticity theory. Closed-form analytical expression for the thermoelastic damping (TED) in terms of quality factor for a homogeneous transversely isotropic PTE beam is derived by using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and complex frequency approach. The size effect of the nanostructured beam is tackled by applying modified couple stress theory (MCST). Detailed analysis on damping of vibration owing to thermal fluctuations and electric potential in the present context under three sets of boundary conditions is attempted to investigate the influences of two-phase-lag parameters, piezoelectric parameter, thermal effect and size-dependent behaviour on energy dissipation caused by TED in PTE beam resonators. Analytical results are illustrated with the help of graphical plots on numerical findings for lead zirconate titanate (PZT-5A) PTE material. The investigation brings out some significant key findings and observations in view of the present heat conduction model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3, BFO) is one of the few single-phase crystalline compounds exhibiting strong multiferroic properties at room temperature, which makes it promising for use in various fields of science and technology. The remarkable characteristics of BFO at the nanoscale position it as a compelling candidate for enhancing the functionalities of polymeric nanocomposite materials. In this study, we explore the fabrication of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposites with a variable content of BFO nanopowders (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) by solution casting in the form of thin films with the thickness of ~60 µm. Our findings reveal that the presence of BFO nanoparticles slightly facilitates the formation of β- and γ-phases of PVDF, known for their enhanced piezoelectric properties, thereby potentially expanding the utility of PVDF-based materials in sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting devices. On the other hand, the increase in filler concentration leads to enlarged spherulite diameter and porosity of PVDF, as well as an increase in filler content above 20 wt% resulting in a decrease in the degree of crystallinity. The structural changes in the surface were found to increase the hydrophobicity of the nanocomposite surface. Magnetometry indicates that the magnetic properties of nanocomposite are influenced by the BFO nanoparticle content with the saturation magnetization at ~295 K ranging from ~0.08 emu/g to ~0.8 emu/g for samples with the lowest and higher BFO content, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This document is a corrigendum for an article titled "Recent progress in piezoelectric thin films as self-powered devices: material and application." The corrigendum addresses errors in the references and their citations in the published article. It provides the correct references for several studies related to AlN and PZT piezoelectric films. The corrigendum aims to rectify the inaccuracies in the original article and ensure the accuracy of the references cited. [Extracted from the article]

The uniform ZnO submicron spheres composed of nanodots were synthesized by solvothermal method and then added to PZT5A powder for spark plasma sintering. The effects of ZnO addition on phase composition， microstructure and electric properties of the lead zirconate titanate （PZT） ceramics were studied. The results indicate that PZT ceramics with a relative density higher than 97% can be prepared by spark plasma sintering at 900 ℃ for 5 min. The addition of ZnO submicron spheres is beneficial for speeding up the sintering process and promoting the grain growth of PZT ceramics. With the increase of ZnO addition， the content of the trigonal phase increases gradually. The addition of a proper amount of ZnO submicro spheres can improve the piezoelectric and dielectric property of PZT ceramics. When the mass fraction of ZnO is 0.10%， the superior overall performance of the material is optimal， at a frequency of 1 kHz， the piezoelectric constant d33=432 pC/N， the electromechanical coupling coefficient kp=0.56， the mechanical quality factor Qm=69.8， the relative dielectric constant εr=1360， and the dielectric loss tanδ=0.0227.

In the quaternary system PbTiO3-PbZrO3-SrTiO3-SrZrO3, compositions that lie close to the antiferroelectric tetragonal and ferroelectric rhombohedral (AFET-FER) phase boundary have potential applications in micro-actuators. However, in thin films, this phase boundary is reported to shift significantly to the zirconium-rich region. Hence, it is necessary to seek alternative approaches to stabilize the tetragonal AFE phase in such compositions. Therefore, this study explores the effect of B-site Mn3+-doping on their structure. Dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric characteristics of such thin films have been compared with those with increasing Zr/Ti ratios to understand the efficacy of this approach. Transverse piezoelectric coefficient, e31,f, and bipolar strain are found to be higher in Mn3+-doped thin films. Furthermore, large strains and e31,f in thin films have been correlated with structural modifications revealed by systematic Raman spectroscopic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discovered large electric-field-induced strain in pyro-vanadate-phosphate Cu2−xZnxV1.8P0.2O7. Distinct from conventionally used piezoelectric materials including lead-zirconate-titanate, this material expands almost isotropically at room temperature when an electric field is applied. This volume change, exceeding 1000 ppm under the field of E = 3900 V/cm, is of the largest class induced by an electric field. The strain is phenomenologically interpreted as electrostriction because it is symmetric about E = 0 and because it obeys a higher term than E-linear such as E squared. The present x-ray diffraction experiments suggest that the applied electric field distorts the crystal lattice, although there is no structural phase transition. This material performs a volume-change-driven actuator function that is distinct from the strain-driven counterpart of piezoelectric materials. The discovery of actuator functionality in a material system with a non-perovskite structure, unlike the actuator materials developed to date, is a major breakthrough for future actuator engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new axially vibrating sensor based on an audio voice coil transducer and a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric disc microphone was developed as a probe for the measurement of in vitro rheological fluid properties, including curing progress for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) mixtures with important uses as bone cement in the field of orthopedics. The measurement of the vibrating axial sensor's acoustic spectra in PMMA undergoing curing can be described by a damped harmonic oscillator formalism and resonant frequency (ca. 180 Hz) shift can be used as an indicator of curing progress, with shifts to the blue by as much as 14 Hz. The resonant frequency peak was measured in 19 different 4.0 g PMMA samples to have a rate of shift of 0.0462 ± 0.00624 Hz·s−1 over a period of 400 s while the PMMA was in a dough state and before the PMMA transitioned to a hard-setting phase. This transition is unambiguously indicated by this sensor technology through the generation of a distinct circa 5 kHz high-Q under-damped ring-down response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The piezoelectric property was found by Curie brothers in quartz and Rachel salt (1881). This property is a complicated phenomenon that makes it challenging to study. In 1935, the piezoelectric properties of potassium-dehydrogenated phosphate, the first famous piezoelectric material, were determined. Study about these properties of materials was developed by USA, Russia, and Japan during the Second World War, resulting in some piezoelectric materials such as barium titanate (BT) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) in 1940 and 1950, respectively. Pure and doped PZT families have been widely studied in ceramics and nanostructured forms to enhance their piezoelectric properties. Because of the lead, the PZT materials are harmful to the environment. Therefore, it has been tried to replace it with suitable lead-free materials for practical purposes. The first lead-free piezoelectric material investigated in this respect is BT. However, the piezoelectric properties of BT are not as good as PZT, so a new generation of lead-free piezoelectric materials has been developed. These new lead-free piezoelectric materials are divided into two categories: (1) the lead-free piezoelectric material based on BNT (bismuth niobium titanate) and (2) the lead-free piezoelectric material based on KNN (potassium sodium niobite). The most significant advantage of these materials is that they are environmentally friendly, but their piezoelectric properties are less than PZT. In this chapter review, lead-based and lead-free piezoelectric materials such as PZT, BT, BZT, KNN, BNT, and ZnO are studied. The synthesized methods of piezoelectric materials in ceramic and nanostructure forms are presented. The applications of piezoelectric ceramics and nanostructures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop composite hydrogels with exceptional piezoelectric properties and pressure sensitivity. To achieve the objective, this study created a deep eutectic solvent (DES) by mixing choline chloride (ChCl), acrylamide (AM), and acrylic acid (AA). Barium titanate nanoparticles (BTNPs) were incorporated as fillers into the deep eutectic solvents (DES) to synthesize the composite hydrogels using frontal polymerization (FP). The mechanical and piezoelectric properties of the resulting composite hydrogels were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This study found that the BTNPs/P(AM-co-AA) composite hydrogels exhibited excellent mechanical and piezoelectric properties. This is attributed to the high dielectric constant of BTNPs and the electrode polarization phenomenon when subjected to pressure. With a BTNPs content of 0.6 wt%, the maximum compressive strength increased by 3.68 times compared with the hydrogel without added BTNPs. Moreover, increasing the BTNPs content to 0.6 wt% resulted in a 1.48 times increase in generated voltage under the same pressure, compared with the hydrogel with only 0.2 wt% BTNPs. This study provides a method for preparing composite hydrogels with outstanding piezoelectric properties and pressure sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the propagation and attenuation of vertically polarized surface waves when interacting with terraced slopes is studied experimentally and numerically. To validate the devised simulation, a laboratory-scale physical model is tested in order to examine the attenuation properties of this well-known artificial landform. The experiment involves formation of a terraced slope, in a laboratory setup, via use of an unconsolidated granular medium made of silica microbeads. This granular medium exhibits a gravity-induced power-law stiffness profile, resulting in a depth-dependent velocity profile. A piezoelectric actuator was used to excite vertically polarized surface acoustic modes localized near the surface of the medium. The three components of the particle velocity field of these modes were measured by means of a 3-D laser Doppler vibrometer. In accordance with the terraced slope, a simple inclined plane was further tested to investigate and highlight the differences in terms of wave propagation along these two different ground formations. The results of this research provide significant experimental evidence that the terraced slopes form mechanisms which attenuate low-frequency surface waves, thus acting as metasurfaces. This work suggests the use of laboratory-scale physical models to investigate the wave propagation in different landforms, which extend beyond typical horizontal ground morphologies, and which could be linked to atypical wave propagation properties, possibly even influencing propagation of seismic waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop Janus-, cross-network-, and coaxial-structured piezoelectric–conductive polymer nanofibers through electrospinning to mimic the piezoelectricity of bone and facilitate the conduction of electrical signals in bone tissue repair. These nanofibers were constructed using the piezoelectric polymer polyvinylidene fluoride, and the conductive fillers reduced graphene oxide and polypyrrole. The influence of structural features on the electroactivity of the fibers was also explored. The morphology and components of the various structural samples were characterized using SEM, TEM, and FTIR. The electroactivity of the materials was assessed with a quasi-static d33 meter and the four-probe method. The results revealed that the piezoelectric–conductive phases were successfully integrated. The Janus-structured nanofibers demonstrated the best electroactivity, with a piezoelectric constant d33 of 24.5 pC/N and conductivity of 6.78 × 10−2 S/m. The tensile tests and MIP measurements showed that all samples had porosity levels exceeding 70%. The tensile strength of the Janus and cross-network structures exceeded that of the periosteum (3–4 MPa), with average pore sizes of 1194.36 and 2264.46 nm, respectively. These properties indicated good mechanical performance, allowing material support while preventing fibroblast invasion. The CCK-8 and ALP tests indicated that the Janus-structured samples were biocompatible and significantly promoted the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poling parameters and barium titanate (BT) content significantly affect the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). Selecting the best possible values for these process parameters is indeed a significant challenge. In this study, piezoelectric nanocomposites for high-energy conversion were prepared by mixing PVDF with BT. The dependence of piezoelectric and dielectric properties on process parameters was investigated. The input parameters, including poling temperature, time and voltage, and BT mass fraction, were considered as input variables. A Box-Behnken Design was used to design and analyze the experiments. ANOVA was performed to study the significance of poling parameters and BT mass fraction. An Artificial Neural Network was used to model PVDF-based nanocomposite properties as a function of the four process parameters. A genetic algorithm was applied to search for the optimal poling conditions and BT mass fraction. The optimal combination leads to a d33 coefficient of 25.259 pC/N, a permittivity of 24.282, and a β-phase fraction (F(β)) of 95.435%. These results were experimentally validated, and the errors were 9.789, 0.338, and 0.305%, respectively. Following the optimization, a PVDF-based nanocomposite with excellent piezoelectric and dielectric properties (d33 = 28pC/N, permittivity = 24.2, F(β) = 95.7%) was fabricated for energy conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) has attracted great attention due to the recognition of its impact on extensive applications in high-resolution force sensing. However, its brittleness and the preparation challenges of ultrahigh aspect ratio nanostructures have hindered their practical application. Here, we present a nanoscale electrohydrodynamic jet 3D printing method capable of tailoring ultrahigh aspect ratio hierarchical PZT nanostructures with controllability, fast, and inexpensive. Thermally in situ curing and vertical shear stress of high viscous jet avoid introducing defects in the post-treatment sintering process and minimize internal defects providing a relatively smooth surface. The printed ultrahigh aspect ratio PZT structure exhibits Young's modulus of 99.4 GPa, which was smaller than the block PZT, greatly improving its flexibility. The experimental results show that it can detect forces in the nano-Newton scale. This finding provides a generally applicable strategy for preparing high-performance ultrahigh aspect ratio nanoscale piezoelectric materials for MEMS devices. • A novel E-Jet 3D nanoprinting method was proposed. • Various ultrahigh aspect ratio hierarchical PZT nanostructures were fabricated. • The printed ultrahigh aspect ratio PZT structure showed ultralarge elastic deformation. The printed force sensor could detect nanoscale Newton loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel approach to conducting the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique for delamination detection in composite structures without the need for permanently attaching PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) transducers to the surface. Instead, a device is created that can be simply placed on top of the composite structure, enabling one to perform the EMI technique for detecting damage. The primary objective is to investigate the effectiveness of this device in detecting delamination within composite materials. Additionally, this study explores the impact of placing additional weight on top of the transducer to investigate the performance of the device subjected to higher pressure. Experimental results and analysis will be presented to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of this approach for non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring of composite components. This research is significant as it lays the groundwork for developing automated damage detection systems using robotics in the near future. By demonstrating the proposed concept that can be easily integrated into robotic platforms, this study contributes to the advancement of automation in structural health monitoring. Implementing this technique in robotic systems has the potential to revolutionize maintenance practices by enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of composite structures, enhancing safety, and minimizing downtime due to structural defects. Moreover, the investigation into the impact of additional weight on the transducer's performance is crucial for setting minimum weight limits in robotic systems, ensuring optimal functionality and accuracy during automated damage detection tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate the utility of field effect transistor (FET)-type sensors, achieving sensitivity enhancement beyond the Nernst limit is crucial. Thus, this study proposed a novel approach for the development of ferroelectric FETs (FeFETs) using lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ferroelectric films integrated with indium–tungsten oxide (IWO) channels synthesized via a cost-effective sol-gel process. The electrical properties of PZT-IWO FeFET devices were significantly enhanced through the strategic implementation of PZT film treatment by employing intentional annealing procedures. Consequently, key performance metrics, including the transfer curve on/off ratio and subthreshold swings, were improved. Moreover, unprecedented electrical stability was realized by eliminating the hysteresis effect during double sweeps. By leveraging a single-gate configuration as an FeFET transformation element, extended-gate (EG) detection methodologies for pH sensing were explored, thereby introducing a pioneering dimension to sensor architecture. A measurement paradigm inspired by plane gate work was adopted, and the proposed device exhibited significant resistive coupling, consequently surpassing the sensitivity thresholds of conventional ion-sensitive field-effect transistors. This achievement represents a substantial paradigm shift in the landscape of ion-sensing methodologies, surpassing the established Nernst limit (59.14 mV/pH). Furthermore, this study advances FeFET technology and paves the way for the realization of highly sensitive and reliable ion sensing modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with high aspect ratios enhance the alignment of polymer chains and induce a preferred orientation of the polymeric crystallites when incorporated into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). In addition to offering an effective charge‐transfer mechanism, TMDs give PVDF more rigidity and piezoelectric qualities. This work reports the non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) introduced while developing the PVDF/MoS2 composites. During the NIPS, the PVDF chains become phase‐separated, which induces high polarization in the PVDF matrix. Phase‐separated PVDF/MoS2 composites show high porosity and charge distribution attributed to the enhanced piezoelectric output voltage. While the neat PVDF demonstrated very feeble output voltage generation, the hybrid composite containing 2 wt.% of MoS2/ZnO facilitated almost 20 times higher performance (peak‐to‐peak voltage of 2.4 V). This work yielded a phase‐separated composite that finds uses in energy harvesting, sensors, and actuators, among other fields. Highlights: NIPS creates high‐porosity composites with improved charge distribution.Layered TMDs improve charge‐transfer mechanism and PVDF's electrical properties.2 wt.% MoS2/ZnO exhibits nearly 20 times higher voltage generation than neat PVDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Depletion of fossil fuels and increase in pollution through chemical batteries trigger the development of self‐powered devices based on flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (PNG). Biocompatible piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposites merged with piezoelectric fillers like ZnO, KNN, and BaTiO3 reproduce amended piezoelectric current, contributing to the safe application as biosensors and flexible industrial devices. Optimized loading, precise selection, and variating the surface chemistry of piezoelectric filler, along with fabrication schemes comprising different structural configurations of composites, considerably influence its potential for application as an energy harvester. Also, optimized processing condition upgrades dielectric constant and energy storage density, and reduces dielectric loss, thereby plummeting energy dissipation even after prolonged usage. Consequently, this article reviews the principles, properties, fabrication techniques, and market application of PVDF composites. A detailed relationship of significant electrical properties of PVDF composites with its fabrication methods and (piezoelectric parameters of fabricated PVDF composites with reported real‐life wearable, implantable, and industrial‐based portable piezoelectric devices are discussed in detail along with tabulated data for a clear understanding of structure–property relationship. Again, the market strategy for establishing flexible PVDF composite as a PNG has been discussed. A piece of in‐depth knowledge is provided for procuring affordable futuristic large‐scale PVDF‐based nanogenerators exhibiting affordable market worth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work is devoted to the theoretical investigation of the quasi-static magnetoelectric interaction in three-layer structures consisting of a piezoelectric and two magnetic layers with positive and negative magnetostriction. Using the system of elasto- and electrostatics equations for the piezoelectric and magnetostrictive phases, expressions for the electrical response of the structure in a magnetic field are obtained. The contributions from longitudinal and bending deformations are taken into account in value of ME interactions. It is shown that the use of an asymmetric three-layer asymmetric structure leads to an increase in the magnitude of the ME interaction by almost an order of magnitude compared to a two-layer structure. The dependences of the effect magnitude on the thickness of the third layer for the nickel/lead zirconate titanate/metglas structure are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]