Abstract: A method to produce low-temperature sinterable powders which are then subsequently used to fabricate freestanding piezoelectric films with very large electric-field-enhanced piezoelectric response is provided. The ?d31 coefficient for PMN-PT layers can be as high as 2000 pm/V, larger than that of commercial single crystalline PMN-PT bulk materials, at 10 kV/cm (or 20 V over the 20-micron film thickness). In contrast to single crystals, the polycrystalline freestanding films are easy to fabricate and can be made into any size. The films are also easily miniaturized. The method can be applied to nearly any piezoelectric material.

Abstract: The present invention is a piezoelectric composition and a piezoelectric element using the piezoelectric composition, the composition being characterized by: having a Perovskite structure represented by general formula ABO3; being represented by composition formula x(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3-yBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3-zBiFeO3, x+y+z=1 in the composition formula above; and in a triangular coordinate using x, y and z in the composition formula above, having a composition represented by a region which is surrounded by a pentagon ABCDE with apexes of point A (1, 0, 0), point B (0.7, 0.3, 0), point C (0.1, 0.3, 0.6), point D (0.1, 0.1, 0.8) and point E (0.2, 0, 0.8) and which does not include the line segment AE that connects point A (1, 0, 0) and point E (0.2, 0, 0.8).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a piezoelectricityity ceramic material. The piezoelectricityity ceramic material includes main components that are represented by a general chemical formula of Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)xZryTizO3+awt % WO3 and satisfy the following conditions: 0.02 ?x?0.1, 0.4?y?0.6, 0.4?z?0.6, and 0.5?a?3. Compared to related art, the products provided by the present disclosure have the following advantages: higher temperature stability, simpler production process, shorter production cycle, and convenient for mass production.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic has a primary phase constituted by ceramic grains of perovskite crystal structure containing Pb, Nb, Zn, Ti, and Zr, and a secondary phase constituted by ZnO grains present sporadically in the primary phase. The piezoelectric ceramic of high kr and high specific dielectric constant can be sintered at low temperature and exhibit minimal characteristics variations.

Abstract: There is a need for methods that can produce piezoelectric composites having suitable physical characteristics and also optimized electrical stimulatory properties. The present application provides piezoelectric composites, including tissue-stimulating composites, as well as methods of making such composites, that meet these needs. In embodiments, methods of making a spinal implant are provided. The methods suitably comprise preparing a thermoset, thermoplastic or thermoset/thermoplastic, or copolymer polymerizable matrix, dispersing a plurality of piezoelectric particles in the polymerizable matrix to generate dispersion, shaping the dispersion, inducing an electric polarization in the piezoelectric particles in the shaped dispersion, wherein at least 40% of the piezoelectric particles form chains.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an excellent piezoelectric composition and an excellent piezoelectric element if the piezoelectric properties especially a high spontaneous polarization and a sufficiently high resistivity, the low pollution, the environment and the ecology are considered. In the piezoelectric composition, the main component contains the substance represented by the following formula with a perovskite-typed structure, (Bi(0.5x+y+z)Na0.5x)m(Tix+0.5yMg0.5yAlz)O3. Wherein, 0.01?x?0.8, 0.2?y?0.8, 0.01?z?0.6, 0.75?m?1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piezoelectric material for low sintering and more particularly, to piezoelectric materials for low sintering having a composition formula of Pb(Zr, Ti)O3—Pb(Ni, Nb)O3 (hereinafter referring to as ‘PZT-PNN’). The PZT-PNN piezoelectric material according to the present invention shows excellent piezoelectric properties compared to the convention piezoelectric materials even at a low sintering temperature of 950° C. or lower. It thus allows reducing manufacturing cost by using relatively lower-cost electrode materials than Pd or Pt and increasing reliability of operation temperature through improving the glass transition temperature.

Abstract: Methods for forming lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticles are provided. The PZT nanoparticles are formed from a precursor solution, comprising a source of lead, a source of titanium, a source of zirconium, and a mineralizer, that undergoes a hydrothermal process. The size and morphology of the PZT nanoparticles are controlled, in part, by the heating schedule used during the hydrothermal process.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic contains as a main component an oxide which is represented by the general formula: sA1B1O3-t(Bi.A2)TiO3-(1-s-t)BaMO3 (where A1 is at least one element selected from among alkali metals; B1 is at least one element selected from among transition metal elements and contains Nb; A2 is at least one element selected from among alkali metals; and M is at least one element selected from the 4A group and contains Zr). In the general formula, s and t satisfy 0.905?s?0.918, 0.005?t?0.02, and a piezoelectric constant d33(25) at 25° C. and a piezoelectric constant d33(200) at 200° C. satisfy the relationship (d33(25)?d33(200)/d33(25)?0.13.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thin film which is of a perovskite type having a tetragonal crystal structure, the tetragonal crystal having a degree of (100) orientation of 80% or higher. The piezoelectric thin film is constituted of a lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) which is a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) in which some of the lead has been replaced with lanthanum.

Abstract: The application is directed to piezoelectric single crystals having shear piezoelectric coefficients with enhanced temperature and/or electric field stability. These piezoelectric single crystal may be used, among other things, for vibration sensors as well as low frequency, compact sonar transducers with improved and/or enhanced performance.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic contains a main component, Mn as a first auxiliary component, and a second auxiliary component containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, B, and Si. The main component contains a perovskite metal oxide having the following general formula (1): (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3(0.100?x?0.145,0.010?y?0.039)??(1) The amount b (mol) of Mn per mole of the metal oxide is in the range of 0.0048?b?0.0400, the second auxiliary component content on a metal basis is 0.001 parts by weight or more and 4.000 parts by weight or less per 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide, and the value a of the general formula (1) is in the range of 0.9925+b?a?1.0025+b.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lead-free piezoelectric material having a high piezoelectric constant and a high mechanical quality factor in a wide operating temperature range. The piezoelectric material includes a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by Formula (1): (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3 (1.00?a?1.01, 0.125?x<0.155, and 0.041?y?0.074) as a main component. The metal oxide contains Mn in a content of 0.12 parts by weight or more and 0.40 parts by weight or less based on 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide on a metal basis.

Abstract: A piezoelectric glass ceramic represented by the formula (M1Ox)-(M2Oy)—SiO2 wherein M1 is one or more metals and/or metalloids, M2 is one or more metals and/or metalloids, x is a value equal to the valence of M1, and y is a value equal to the valence of M2. The piezoelectric glass ceramic has a total alkali metal concentration of less than about 1000 parts per million by weight (ppmw). A process of preparing a piezoelectric glass ceramic and a piezoelectric glass ceramic body prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A piezoelectric compound having no occurrence of segregation or uneven structures as well as a piezoelectric element having excellent piezoelectric properties. The piezoelectric composition includes a main component that is a perovskite-typed oxide represented by formula of ABO3, wherein, one site includes Bi, Na, and another site includes Ti, and part of the Ti is substituted by transition metal element Me (Me is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, Fe and Co), according to the conversion of BiMeO3, the content ratio of Bi and the transition metal element Me accounts for 6˜43 mol % relative to the whole perovskite-typed oxides as the main component.

Abstract: Provided is a lead-free piezoelectric material having satisfactory piezoelectric constant and mechanical quality factor in a device driving temperature range (?30° C. to 50° C.) The piezoelectric material includes a main component containing a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by Formula 1, a first auxiliary component composed of Mn, and a second auxiliary component composed of Bi or Bi and Li. The content of Mn is 0.040 parts by weight or more and 0.500 parts by weight or less based on 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide on a metal basis. The content of Bi is 0.042 parts by weight or more and 0.850 parts by weight or less and the content of Li is 0.028 parts by weight or less (including 0 parts by weight) based on 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide on a metal basis. (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3 . . . (1), wherein, 0.030?x<0.090, 0.030?y?0.080, and 0.9860?a?1.0200.

Abstract: Provided is a lead-free piezoelectric ceramics having enhanced mechanical quality factor (Qm) and mechanical strength. The piezoelectric ceramics, includes at least a first crystal grain and a second crystal grain. The first crystal grain has an average equivalent circle diameter of 2 ?m or more and 30 ?m or less. The first crystal grain includes a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by the following general formula (1) as a main component, and the second crystal grain includes a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by the following general formula (2) as a main component: (1) xBaTiO3-yCaTiO3-zCaZrO3; and (2) x?BaTiO3-y?CaTiO3-z?CaZrO3, provided that x, y, z, x?, y?, and z? satisfy x+y+z=1, x?+y?+z?=1, 0?x??0.15, 0.85?y??1, 0?z?0.05, x>x?, 0<y<y?, and z>0.

Abstract: There is provided a piezoelectric material not containing any lead component, having stable piezoelectric characteristics in an operating temperature range, a high mechanical quality factor, and satisfactory piezoelectric characteristics. The piezoelectric material according to the present invention includes a main component containing a perovskite-type metal oxide that can be expressed using the following general formula (1), and subcomponents containing Mn, Li, and Bi. When the metal oxide is 100 parts by weight, the content of Mn on a metal basis is not less than 0.04 parts by weight and is not greater than 0.36 parts by weight, content ? of Li on a metal basis is equal to or less than 0.0012 parts by weight (including 0 parts by weight), and content ? of Bi on a metal basis is not less than 0.042 parts by weight and is not greater than 0.850 parts by weight (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-y-zZrySnz)O3??(1) (in the formula (1), 0.09?x?0.30, 0.025?y?0.085, 0?z?0.02, and 0.986?a?1.02).

Abstract: A piezoelectric material contains a main component containing a perovskite-type metal oxide having the formula (1); a first auxiliary component composed of Mn; and a second auxiliary component composed of Bi or Bi and Li, wherein the Mn content is 0.04 parts by weight or more and 0.400 parts by weight or less on a metal basis per 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide, the Bi content is 0.042 parts by weight or more and 0.850 parts by weight or less on a metal basis per 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide, and the Li content is 0.028 parts by weight or less (including 0 parts by weight) on a metal basis per 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide. (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-y-zSnyZrz)O3??(1) (wherein 0?x?0.080, 0.013?y?0.060, 0?z?0.040, and 0.986?a?1.020.

Abstract: There is provided a piezoelectric material not containing any lead component, having stable piezoelectric characteristics in an operating temperature range, a high mechanical quality factor, and satisfactory piezoelectric characteristics. The piezoelectric material includes a main component containing a perovskite-type metal oxide that can be expressed using the following general formula (1), and subcomponents containing Mn, Li, and Bi. When the metal oxide is 100 parts by weight, the content of Mn on a metal basis is not less than 0.04 parts by weight and is not greater than 0.36 parts by weight, content ? of Li on a metal basis is not less than 0.0013 parts by weight and is not greater than 0.0280 parts by weight, and content ? of Bi on a metal basis is not less than 0.042 parts by weight and is not greater than 0.850 parts by weight (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-y-zZrySnz)O3??(1) (in the formula (1), 0.09?x?0.30, 0.074<y?0.085, 0?z?0.02, and 0.986?a?1.

Abstract: A piezoelectric material contains a first component that is a rhombohedral crystal and that is configured to have a complex oxide with a perovskite structure and Curie temperature Tc1, a second component that is a crystal other than a rhombohedral crystal and that is configured to have a complex oxide with a perovskite structure and Curie temperature e Tc2, and a third component that is a rhombohedral crystal and that is configured to have a complex oxide with a perovskite structure and Curie temperature Tc3 different from the first component, and in which Tc2 is higher than Tc1, Tc3 is equal to or higher than Tc2, and a value of (0.1×Tc1+0.9×Tc2) is equal to or lower than 280° C.

Abstract: A piezoelectric material contains a first component that is a rhombohedral crystal that is configured to have a complex oxide with a perovskite structure and Curie temperature Tc1 and a second component that is a crystal other than a rhombohedral crystal that is configured to have a complex oxide with the perovskite structure and Curie temperature Tc2, in which |Tc1?Tc2| is equal to or less than 50° C.

Abstract: A piezoelectric material contains a first component that is a rhombohedral crystal that is configured to have a complex oxide with a perovskite structure and Curie temperature Tc1, a second component that is a crystal other than a rhombohedral crystal that is configured to have a complex oxide with the perovskite structure and Curie temperature Tc2, and a third component that is configured to have a complex oxide with the perovskite structure in which the component is formed as the same crystal system as the second component and Curie temperature Tc3, in which Tc1 is higher than Tc2, and Tc3 is equal to or higher than Tc1.

Abstract: Textured PMN-PZT fabricated by templated grain growth (TGG) method has a piezoelectric coefficient (d) of 3 to 5 times that of its random counterpart. By combining this TGG method with low-temperature co-firing ceramics (LTCC) techniques, co-fired multilayer textured piezoelectric ceramic materials with inner electrodes were produced at a temperature as low as 925° C., which silver could be used. Trilayer PMN-PZT ceramics prepared by this method show a strain increase of 2.5 times, a driving voltage decrease of 3 times, and an equivalent piezoelectric coefficient (d*) improvement of 10 to 15 times that of conventional random ceramic counterparts. Further, a co-fired magnetostrictive/piezoelectric/magnetostrictive laminate structure with silver inner electrode was also synthesized. The integration of textured piezoelectric microstructure with the cost-effective low-temperature co-fired layered structure achieves strong magnetoelectric coupling.

Abstract: Methods for forming lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanoparticles are provided. The PZT nanoparticles are formed from a precursor solution, comprising a source of lead, a source of titanium, a source of zirconium, and a mineraliser, that undergoes a hydro thermal process. The size and morphology of the PZT nanoparticles are controlled, in part, by the heating schedule used during the hydro thermal process.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric material having high Curie temperature, high insulation property, and high piezoelectric performance, the piezoelectric material including a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by the general formula (1): xBaTiO3-yBiFeO3-zBi(M0.5Ti0.5)O3, where M represents at least one kind of element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ni, and Zn, x represents a value satisfying 0.25?x?0.75, y represents a value satisfying 0.15?y?0.73, and z represents a value satisfying 0.02?z?0.60, provided that x+y+z=1 is satisfied in which the perovskite-type metal oxide contains V, and content of the V is 0.0005 mol or larger and 0.0050 mol or smaller with respect to 1 mol of the perovskite-type metal oxide. In addition, provided are a piezoelectric element, a liquid discharge head, an ultrasonic motor, and a dust removing device, which use the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A PZT-type piezoelectric ceramic material having a perovskite structure of the ABO3 type. The stoichiometric ratio of AB is 1:1, with the “A” component being Pb1-zSrz and the “B” component being (Mn1/3Sb2/3)x(ZryTi1-y)1-x. Z is between 0.02 and 0.03, x is between 0.03 and 0.07, and y is between 0.40 and 0.60. The material further comprises dopants, with the dopants comprising Ce, Cu, and Nb dopants, with each of the Ce, Cu, and Nb dopants being provided in an amount of up to 2 wt. %, with the combined amount of the Ce, Cu, and Nb2 dopants being between 1 wt. % and 4 wt. %. Methods for preparing the PZT ceramic materials by combining oxides of Pb, Sr, Mn, Sb, Zr, Ti, Nb, Cu, and Ce and calcining the combined oxides so as to produce a PZT composition of the stated formula are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a Sr2-xCaxNaNb5O15 type piezoelectric ceramic composition wherein the inhibition of cracking and an improvement in the piezoelectric characteristics are attained by improving the composition uniformity and the microstructure uniformity. In the basic Sr2-xCaxNaNb5O15 composition, the (Sr, Ca)/Na ratio is changed, whereby the occupancies of Sr, Ca and Na in lattices which constitute the tungsten-bronze type structure and into which Sr, Ca, and Na can enter are reduced to facilitate the entrance of Sr into the lattices and thus inhibit the formation of a secondary phase. Further, a predetermined amount of Al and/or Si is added to lower the sintering temperature and to make the microstructure uniform. Additionally, a predetermined amount of Mn is added to make the polarization easy.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic contains a major proportion of potassium sodium niobate and has a carbon content after firing of 55 to 1,240 ppm by mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric ceramic body and devices therefrom. The method comprises mixing a piezoelectric ceramic powder with a polymer binder and surfactant to form a slip mixture, casting the slip mixture into a mold and setting to the slip mixture in the mold to form a green body, cutting the green body to form a cut green body with an array of micron-sized ceramic elements and separation, and sintering the cut green body to form a sintered ceramic body. The sintered ceramic body can be further process to encasing in a polymer material to form a piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composite. The piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composite can be further processed to form devices such as acoustic transducers and sensors.

Abstract: A ternary polycrystalline material based on lead hafnate (PbHfO3) and having improved dielectric, piezoelectric, and/or thermal stability properties. The Pb(Hf,Ti)O3 based material can exhibit enhanced electromechanical coupling factors when compared to PZT based ceramics and can be used as high performance actuators, piezoelectric sensors and/or ultrasonic transducers. The ternary polycrystalline material can have a perovskite crystal structure with an ABO3 formula and can be characterized by a substitution of heterovalent acceptor and donor ions at A or B (Zr/Hf) sites.

Abstract: To perform poling treatment in a simple procedure by dry process. An aspect of the invention is a magnetic field poling device including: a first holding part configured to hold a film-to-be-poled 2; a second holding part configured to hold a magnet generating a magnetic field B to the film-to-be-poled 2; and a moving mechanism configured to move the first holding part or the second holding part in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field B.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition is provided which exhibits high density and excellent crystallinity even in the case of firing under lower temperature conditions than in conventional cases, and which also exhibits excellent piezoelectric/electrostrictive properties. An ABO3 compound (first main component) with Bi at the A site and with B1 and B2 elements at the B site (B1 consists of at least one kind of element having an ionic valence of two or less and selected from the group consisting of Mg, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and rare-earth elements; and B2 consists of at least one kind of element having an ionic valence of four or more and selected from the group consisting of V, Nb, Ta, Sb, Mo, and W) is dissolved in the form of a solid solution into another ABO3 compound (second main component) with at least Pb at the A site.

Abstract: A ceramic material includes first and second ceramic materials. The first ceramic material has a perovskite structure and defines a host lattice. The first ceramic material contains lead, zirconium and titanium, e.g., lead zirconate titanate. The second ceramic material has a cryolite structure. The ceramic material may be part of a piezo-actuator containing ceramic layers formed of the ceramic material.

Abstract: Provided is a lead-free piezoelectric material having a satisfactory and stable piezoelectric constant and electric insulation property in a wide practical temperature range. Provided is a piezoelectric material, including a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by the following general formula (1) as a main component, the piezoelectric material containing Mn in a content of 0.01 part by weight or more and 0.80 part by weight or less with respect to 100 parts by weight of the perovskite-type metal oxide: (Li?xNa?yK?zBa?Bi0.5?+?)a(Ti?+?Fe?) O3 . . . (1), where 0.800???0.999, 0???0.150, 0.001???0.050, ?+?+?=1, 0?x?0.050, 0.045?y?0.450, 0.045?z?0.450, 0.450?x+y+z?0.500, and 0.980?a?1.020.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a piezoelectricity ceramic material. The piezoelectricity ceramic material includes main components that are represented by a general chemical formula of PbZraTib(Nb2/3Ni1/3)1-a-bpl O3+c%BaW0.5Cu0.5O3 d%SiO2 and satisfy the following condition: 0.1?a?0.4, 0.2?b?0.5, 0.1?c?3, and 0.05?d?1. The low-temperature sintering adopted by the present disclosure reduces energy consumption and reduces the volatilization of PbO, which avoids the fluctuation and deviation of the ceramic components, reduces the pollution to then environment caused by volatilization, and reduces the corrosion to the sintering machine as well. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a piezoelectricity ceramic sinter and a method for processing the same, as well as a piezoelectricity ceramic device. In a multi-layer device, the device cost is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic material, comprising lead zirconate titanate, which additionally contains K and optionally Cu. The ceramic material can be used in an electroceramic component, for example a piezoelectric actuator. The invention also relates to methods for producing the ceramic material and the electronic component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piezoelectric material which has excellent insulating and piezoelectric properties and which contains no lead and potassium and also provides a piezoelectric element and a multilayered piezoelectric element each using the above piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material is a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by the following general formula (1). (1?x){(NayBa1-z)(NbzTi1-z)O3}-xBiFeO3??(1) In the formula, 0<x?0.015, 0.80?y?0.95, 0.85?z?0.95 are satisfied. The piezoelectric element includes the above piezoelectric material and a pair of electrodes each provided in contact therewith. The multilayered piezoelectric element includes piezoelectric material layers formed of the above piezoelectric material and electrodes containing at least one internal electrode so as to be alternately laminated with each other.

Abstract: A method is described for inserting or dispersing quartz within a substrate containing polymers polarizable by an electromagnetic field having electrical resistivity, from an insulator to conductor or vice versa, modifiable by said field. The method involves dispersing in the substrate particles having a sandwich structure including two conductive layers and a layer with piezoelectric characteristics in the middle.

Abstract: A ceramic or single crystal ferroelectric and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The ceramics and single crystals of the present disclosure are located near phase boundaries between ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases. These ceramics, single crystals, and composite may be used in pulsed power applications.

Abstract: Textured ceramic compositions having improved piezoelectric characteristics as compared with their random counterparts are provided. Methods of making the compositions and devices using them are also included. More particularly, compositions comprising textured ceramic Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3—BaTiO3(NBT-BT) materials synthesized from high aspect ratio NBT seeds exhibit improved characteristics, including an increased longitudinal piezoelectric constant (d33) and magnetoelectric coupling coefficient over randomly oriented NBT-BT. Additionally provided are compositions comprising of nanostructured Na0.5B0.5TiO3—BaTiO3 ferroelectric whiskers having a high aspect ratio. Nanostructured whiskers can be used to improve the piezoelectric properties of the bulk ceramics. The inventive materials are useful in microelectronic devices, with some finding particular application as multilayer actuators and transducers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for ferroelectric thin film formation which is used in the formation of a ferroelectric thin film of one material selected from the group consisting of PLZT, PZT, and PT. The composition for ferroelectric thin film formation is a liquid composition for the formation of a thin film of a mixed composite metal oxide formed of a mixture of a composite metal oxide (A) represented by general formula (1): (PbxLay)(ZrzTi(1?z))O3 [wherein 0.9<x<1.3, 0?y?0.1, and 0?z?0.9 are satisfied] with a composite oxide (B) or a carboxylic acid (B) represented by general formula (2): CnH2n+1COOH [wherein 3?n?7 is satisfied]. The composite oxide (B) contains one or at least two elements selected from the group consisting of P (phosphorus), Si, Ce, and Bi and one or at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Sn, Sm, Nd, and Y (yttrium).

Abstract: A piezoelectric material includes a metal oxide represented by general formula (1) below, a Mn content is 0.04 parts by weight or more and 0.36 parts by weight or less, a Li content ? is 0.0013 parts by weight or more and 0.0280 parts by weight or less, a Bi content ? is 0.042 parts by weight or more and 0.850 parts by weight or less, and the contents ? and ? satisfy 0.5?(?·MB)/(?·ML)?1 (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-y-zZrySnz) O3 (1) (where x, y, z, and a satisfy 0.09?x?0.30, 0.025?y?0.074, 0?z?0.02, and 0.986?a?1.02). A piezoelectric material according to an embodiment of the present invention contains no lead, has a low degree of temperature dependency of piezoelectric performance within operation temperature ranges of piezoelectric elements, and good piezoelectric properties.

Abstract: A piezoelectric material includes, as a main component, a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by a general formula (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-y-zSnyZrz)O3 where 1.00?a?1.01, 0.125?x?0.300, 0?y?0.020, and 0.041?z?0.074, the perovskite-type metal oxide containing copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn). A Cu content relative to 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide is 0.02 parts by weight or more and 0.60 parts by weight or less on a metal basis, and a Mn content relative to 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide is 0.12 parts by weight or more and 0.40 parts by weight or less on a metal basis.

Abstract: Provided is piezoelectric/electrostrictive body generating large electric-field-induced strain, and having high durability with respect to an electric field having a direction opposite to a polarization direction. A composition of piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramics is represented by a general formula Pba{ZnbSbc(ZrdTi1-d)1-b-c}O3. As for a, b, c, and d, 0.985?a?0.998, 0.010?b?0.040, 0.025?c?0.090, 0.460?d?0.510, and 2.125?c/b?3.000 are satisfied. An accessory component containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, Fe, and a rare-earth element may be added to a main component. An additive amount of the at least one element relative to 100 parts by weight of the main component is 0.3 parts by weight or less in terms of an oxide.

Abstract: Provided is an oriented piezoelectric ceramic of satisfactory piezoelectricity, which includes a metal oxide represented by (1?x)NaNbO3-xBaTiO3. Also provided are a piezoelectric element using the oriented piezoelectric ceramic which includes the metal oxide represented by (1?x)NaNbO3-xBaTiO3, and a liquid discharge head, an ultrasonic motor, and a dust removing device which use the piezoelectric element. An oriented piezoelectric ceramic includes as a main component a metal oxide represented by the following general formula (1), in which the oriented piezoelectric ceramic has a lead content and a potassium content that are each 1,000 ppm or less: (1?x)NaNbO3-xBaTiO3 . . . General formula (1), where a relationship of 0<x<0.3 is satisfied.

Abstract: A lead-free piezoelectric material that does not undergo depolarization in a wide operating temperature range and has a good piezoelectric constant is provided. A piezoelectric material include a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3 (where 1.00?a?1.01, 0.125?x?0.175, and 0.055?y?0.090) as a main component, and manganese incorporated in the perovskite-type metal oxide. The manganese content relative to 100 parts by weight of the perovskite-type metal oxide is 0.02 parts by weight or more and 0.10 parts by weight or less on a metal basis.

Abstract: A lead-free piezoelectric ceramic material has the general chemical formula xBi(A0.5Ti0.5)O3-y(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3-z(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3, wherein x+y+z=1, x?0, and A=Ni or Mg.

Abstract: A lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composition mainly includes a first crystal phase (KNN phase) and a second crystal phase (NTK phase). In the first crystal phase (KNN phase), a plurality of crystal grains formed of an alkali niobate/tantalate perovskite oxide having piezoelectric characteristics is bound to each other in a deposited state. The second crystal phase (NTK phase) is formed of a compound containing titanium (Ti) and fills spaces between the crystal grains in the first crystal phase.

Abstract: A lead-free piezoelectric material that has stable, excellent piezoelectric constant and mechanical quality factor in a wide operating temperature range is provided. A piezoelectric material include a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3 (where 1.00?a?1.01, 0.155?x?0.300, 0.041?y?0.069) as a main component, and manganese incorporated in the perovskite-type metal oxide. The manganese content relative to 100 parts by weight of the perovskite-type metal oxide is 0.12 parts by weight or more and 0.40 parts by weight or less on a metal basis.