SAI VIDYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Approved by AICTE, New Delhi, Affiliated to VTU, Recognized by Govt. of Karnataka

Accredited by NBA, New Delhi (CSE, ECE. ISE, MECH & CIVIL), NAAC – “A” Grade

Rajanukunte, Bengaluru 560064

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Introduction to
Smart Materials & Systems
BME306B

Course Co-ordinator

Prof. Mohan G
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
 Module 2

Electrically Activated Materials:

Piezoelectricity, Piezoresistivity, Ferroelectricity, Piezoelectric materials- piezoelectric effect,
Piezoceramics, Piezopolymers, Piezoelectric materials as sensors, Actuators and bimorphs,
nanocarbon tubes

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoelectricity
• Piezoelectricity is literally translated as electricity as a result of pressure. The
word “piezo’ is a derivation from the Greek word “piezin”, which means to
press.
• Piezoelectric materials generate an electric charge in response to mechanical
stress and, conversely, undergo mechanical deformation when subjected to
an electric field
• Piezoelectricity is a unique property for certain materials, and it exists due to
the structure of crystals which is not symmetrical, but exists in an electrically
natural balance, yet when mechanical pressure is applied, to a piezoelectric
material, the structure deforms, and the atoms are rearranged into a structure
where they conduct an electrical current.
• This is applicable vice versa as well, where if an electric current is applied to
a piezoelectric material, then the crystal will convert electrical energy into
mechanical energy by expanding
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT
Piezoelectricity

Direct Piezoelectric Effect: When mechanical stress is applied to a piezoelectric material, it results in the generation
of an electric charge. The amount of charge generated is proportional to the applied stress.

Inverse Piezoelectric Effect: When an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric material, it causes the material to
undergo mechanical deformation or strain

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

Piezoelectricity

Direct Piezoelectric Effect: When mechanical stress is applied to a piezoelectric material, it results in the generation
of an electric charge. The amount of charge generated is proportional to the applied stress.

Inverse Piezoelectric Effect: When an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric material, it causes the material to
undergo mechanical deformation or strain

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

Piezoresistivity

Piezo resistivity is defined as change of resistance of semiconductors from the applied mechanical stress

The piezoresistive effect describes the change in electrical resistance that occurs when an external force is applied
to a semiconductor. This change only affects the material's electrical resistivity. Unlike the piezoelectric effect, it
cannot be used to generate a voltage across the device

The strain from the applied force impacts the material's band structure, which makes it easier or more difficult for
electrons to be excited into the conduction band. Consequently, the density of current carriers is altered and the
material's resistance changes

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoresistivity

Areas of Application

Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors

Valued for their high sensitivity and linearity, piezoresistive pressure sensors were some of the first MEMS devices to
come to market. Various industries implement these devices in their products as a means to measure pressure. For
example, the biomedical field uses piezoresistive sensors as tools to measure blood pressure, while the automotive
industry uses them to gauge oil and gas levels in car engines.

Accelerometers
Many types of accelerometers also make use of the piezoresistive effect. Designed for high-frequency shock
measurements, these devices have an advantage over their piezoelectric counterparts as they are able to measure
accelerations down to reaching 0 Hz. This capability to measure very low frequencies means that the device can
provide an accurate static measurement of acceleration. Piezoresistive accelerometers are often used to analyze shock
and vibrations in automotive safety testing, including safety air bag and anti-lock brake systems

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Ferroelectricity

Ferroelectricity is a characteristic of certain materials that have a spontaneous electric polarization that can be
reversed by the application of an external electric field

key characteristics that define these materials:

1. Spontaneous Polarisation: Ferroelectric materials have a natural spontaneous polarization even in the absence of
an electric field. This can be reversed by applying an external electric field.
2. Piezoelectric Effect: If mechanical stress is applied to ferroelectric material, it generates voltage. This property is
widely used in pressure sensors, microphones, and ultrasonic transducers.
3. High Permittivity: Permittivity measures how an electric field affects and is affected by a dielectric medium.
Ferroelectric materials typically have a high permittivity which makes them common choices for capacitors

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Ferroelectricity : Characteristics and applications

• Ferroelectric materials possess a spontaneous electric polarization even in the absence of an external electric
field. This polarization arises from the alignment of dipoles within the crystal lattice.
• One of the defining features of ferroelectric materials is their ability to switch the direction of spontaneous
polarization under the influence of an external electric field. This property makes them suitable for use in
memory devices.
• Many ferroelectric materials also display piezoelectric properties. When subjected to mechanical stress, they
generate an electric charge, and when exposed to an electric field, they undergo mechanical deformation.
• Ferroelectric materials often have a high dielectric permittivity, allowing them to store a significant amount of
electric charge. This property contributes to their use in capacitors and other energy storage devices.
• Ferroelectric materials can switch their polarization rapidly in response to an external electric field, making
them suitable for high-speed applications such as memory devices and certain types of sensors

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoelectric materials

Piezoelectric materials are substances that exhibit the piezoelectric effect, a phenomenon where the material
generates an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress or undergoes mechanical deformation in
response to an applied electric field. This unique property makes piezoelectric materials valuable for a wide
range of applications in sensors, actuators, transducers, and various electronic devices.
Crystals Ceramics Polymers
 Quartz (SiO₂)  Lead Zirconate  Polyvinylidene
 Topaz Titanate (PZT, Fluoride (PVDF)
 Tourmaline Pb[ZrₓTi₁₋ₓ]O₃):  Polyvinylidene
 Rochelle  Barium Titanate Fluoride-
Salt (Potassium Sodium (BaTiO₃) Trifluoroethylene
Tartrate,  Zinc oxide (ZnO) (P(VDF-TrFE))
KNaC₄H₄O₆·4H₂O)  Poly L-lactic Acid
 Gallium (PLLA)
Orthophosphate  Collagen
(GaPO₄):  Cellulose
 Sucrose (C12H22O11,  Glycine
table sugar):  Polyurea
 Lead titanate  DNA
(PbTiO3)

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 piezoelectric effect

Piezoelectric Effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical
stress. The word Piezoelectric is derived from the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press, and piezo, which is
Greek for “push”.

One of the unique characteristics of the piezoelectric effect is that it is reversible, meaning that materials exhibiting the
direct piezoelectric effect (the generation of electricity when stress is applied) also exhibit the converse piezoelectric
effect (the generation of stress when an electric field is applied).

The piezoelectric effect is very useful within many applications that involve the production and detection of sound,
generation of high voltages, electronic frequency generation, microbalances, and ultra fine focusing of optical
assemblies. It is also the basis of a number of scientific instrumental techniques with atomic resolution, such as
scanning probe microscopes (STM, AFM, etc). The piezoelectric effect also has its use in more mundane applications
as well, such as acting as the ignition source for cigarette lighters.

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 piezoelectric effect

Piezoelectric Effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical
stress. The word Piezoelectric is derived from the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press, and piezo, which is
Greek for “push”.

One of the unique characteristics of the piezoelectric effect is that it is reversible, meaning that materials exhibiting the
direct piezoelectric effect (the generation of electricity when stress is applied) also exhibit the converse piezoelectric
effect (the generation of stress when an electric field is applied).

The piezoelectric effect is very useful within many applications that involve the production and detection of sound,
generation of high voltages, electronic frequency generation, microbalances, and ultra fine focusing of optical
assemblies. It is also the basis of a number of scientific instrumental techniques with atomic resolution, such as
scanning probe microscopes (STM, AFM, etc). The piezoelectric effect also has its use in more mundane applications
as well, such as acting as the ignition source for cigarette lighters.

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

Direct Piezoelectric Effect: When mechanical stress is applied to a piezoelectric material, it results in the generation
of an electric charge. The amount of charge generated is proportional to the applied stress.

Inverse Piezoelectric Effect: When an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric material, it causes the material to
undergo mechanical deformation or strain

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 piezoelectric effect : Applications
High Voltage and Power Sources
An example of applications in this area is the electric cigarette lighter, where pressing a button causes a spring-loaded hammer
to hit a piezoelectric crystal, thereby producing a sufficiently high voltage that electric current flows across a small spark gap,
heating and igniting the gas. Most types of gas burners and ranges have a built-in piezo based injection systems.
Sensors
The principle of operation of a piezoelectric sensor is that a physical dimension, transformed into a force, acts on two
opposing faces of the sensing element. The detection of pressure variations in the form of sound is the most common sensor
application, which is seen in piezoelectric microphones and piezoelectric pickups for electrically amplified guitars.
Piezoelectric sensors in particular are used with high frequency sound in ultrasonic transducers for medical imaging and
industrial nondestructive testing.
Piezoelectric Motors
Because very high voltages correspond to only tiny changes in the width of the crystal, this crystal width can be manipulated
with better-than-micrometer precision, making piezo crystals an important tool for positioning objects with extreme accuracy,
making them perfect for use in motors
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT
 Piezoceramics

Piezoceramics are a type of ceramic material that exhibits piezoelectric properties

Piezoelectricity is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress and
vice versa generate a mechanical strain in response to an applied electric field
Piezoceramics find applications in a wide range of devices, including ultrasonic transducers, sensors, actuators,
and piezoelectric motors. They are used in medical imaging devices (ultrasound), industrial sensors, inkjet printers,
and various consumer electronics

Common piezoceramic materials include lead zirconate titanate (PZT), which is a solid solution of lead zirconate
(PbZrO3) and lead titanate (PbTiO3). Other materials like barium titanate (BaTiO3) and lead magnesium niobate-
lead titanate (PMN-PT) are also used in certain applications

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoceramics Characteristics

• Piezoceramics are a type of ceramic material that exhibits piezoelectric properties

• Piezoceramic materials are often shaped into specific geometries based on the desired application. These can
include disks, plates, tubes, and other forms to suit the requirements of sensors or transducers
• Piezoceramics are known for their high sensitivity and responsiveness to changes in pressure, making them
suitable for precise measurements and control systems.
• These materials can operate at a wide range of frequencies, making them suitable for applications such as
ultrasonic imaging and cleaning

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoceramics Characteristics

• Piezoceramics are a type of ceramic material that exhibits piezoelectric properties

• Piezoceramic materials are often shaped into specific geometries based on the desired application. These can
include disks, plates, tubes, and other forms to suit the requirements of sensors or transducers
• Piezoceramics are known for their high sensitivity and responsiveness to changes in pressure, making them
suitable for precise measurements and control systems.
• These materials can operate at a wide range of frequencies, making them suitable for applications such as
ultrasonic imaging and cleaning

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezo Polymers

• Piezopolymers are a class of materials that exhibit piezoelectric properties, meaning they can generate an
electric charge in response to mechanical stress and vice versa. These materials have applications in various
fields, including sensors, actuators, energy harvesting devices, and biomedical engineering.
• Piezoelectricity arises from the asymmetry of the material's crystal structure, which allows for the generation
of electric dipoles when subjected to mechanical stress. While traditional piezoelectric materials like quartz
and ceramics have been widely used, piezopolymers offer advantages such as flexibility, lightweight, and
ease of fabrication.
• Common piezopolymer materials include polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its copolymers. PVDF-based
piezopolymers are particularly popular due to their high piezoelectric coefficient, mechanical flexibility, and
biocompatibility. These properties make them suitable for applications such as wearable sensors, medical
devices, and energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoelectric materials as sensors
• A piezoelectric sensor, also known as a piezoelectric transducer, is a device that uses the piezoelectric effect to
measure changes in pressure, acceleration, temperature, strain or force by converting these into an electrical charge.
• The ability of piezoelectric material to convert mechanical stress into electrical charge is called a piezoelectric effect.
Generated piezoelectricity is proportional to the pressure applied to solid piezoelectric crystal materials.
• Two main sensing materials used for piezoelectric sensors are piezoelectric ceramics (such as PZT ceramic) and
single-crystal materials (such as quartz). The sensitivity of ceramic materials is higher than that of natural single-
crystal materials, but their high sensitivity degrades over time.
• Natural single-crystal materials (quartz, gallium-phosphate, tourmaline, etc) are less sensitive but have higher
stability. A commonly-available quartz piezoelectric sensor (without enclosure) is shown in Fig. 1.

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoelectric materials as sensors

• There are also new single-crystal materials commercially available, such as lead-magnesium-niobate lead
titanate
• There are two types of piezoelectric sensors based on the lead connection design: lead type and pin type, as
shown in Fig. 2

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoelectric materials as sensors

• There are also new single-crystal materials commercially available, such as lead-magnesium-niobate lead
titanate
• There are two types of piezoelectric sensors based on the lead connection design: lead type and pin type, as
shown in Fig. 2

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoelectric materials as Actuators

• Piezoelectric actuators are transducers that convert electrical energy into a mechanical displacement or stress
based on a piezoelectric effect, or vice versa
• They have been used widely as a high precision positioning mechanism since it can control a small mechanical
displacement at high speed, with the advantages of large generated force, stable displacement, and ease of
use.
• Piezoelectric actuators can be designed either as piezoelectric bimorph actuators or as linear actuators
employing a lever mechanism.

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT

 Piezoelectric materials as Actuators

• Piezoelectric actuators are devices that produce a small displacement with a high force capability when voltage
is applied. There are many applications where a piezoelectric actuator may be used, such as ultra-precise
positioning and in the generation and handling of high forces or pressures in static or dynamic situations.
• Actuator configuration can vary greatly, depending on application. Piezoelectric stack or multilayer actuators are
manufactured by stacking up piezoelectric disks or plates, the axis of the stack being the axis of linear motion
that occurs when a voltage is applied.
• Tube actuators are monolithic devices that contract laterally and longitudinally when a voltage is applied
between the inner and outer electrodes.
• A disk actuator is a device in the shape of a planar disk. Ring actuators are disk actuators with a center bore,
making the actuator axis accessible for optical, mechanical, or electrical purposes. Other less common
configurations include block, disk, bender, and bimorph styles.

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering , SVIT