About

• Piezoelectric materials are materials that produce an electric current when they are placed under mechanical stress.
• The piezoelectric process is reversible. When these voltage-generating crystals are exposed to an electric field they get lengthened or shortened (change shape). 
• Thus, piezoelectric materials enable a direct conversion between electrical and mechanical energy.
• Examples: 
  • Naturally occurring crystals such as Quartz, Topaz, Tourmaline, Rochelle salt, and cane sugar.
  • Man-made materials such as lithium sulfate, polarized ferroelectric ceramics such as the lead zirconate titanate (PZT), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
• Applications: Piezoelectric materials are used in sensors, actuators, piezoelectric igniters, microphones, micro robotics, motors, etc.