Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a single LTGA crystal from a polycrystalline starting material prepared from a mixture of La2O3, Ta2O5, Ga2O3, and Al2O3, wherein a mixture having a composition represented by y(La2O3)+(1?x?y?z)(Ta2O5)+z(Ga2O3)+x(Al2O3) (in the formula, 0<x?0.40/9, 3.00/9<y?3.23/9, and 5.00/9?z<5.50/9) is used as the polycrystalline starting material, and a single LTGA crystal is grown using the Z-axis as a crystal growth axis. The grown LTGA single crystal is preferably subjected to a vacuum heat treatment. The single LTGA crystal grown by the method according to the present invention, which is highly insulative and highly stable, can be utilized in such applications as a piezoelectric element of a highly reliable combustion pressure sensor useful in measurement of a combustion pressure in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric material having a high Curie temperature and satisfactory piezoelectric characteristics, the piezoelectric material being represented by the following general formula (1): A(ZnxTi(1-x))yM(1-y)O3??(1) where A represents a Bi element, M represents at least one element selected from Fe, Al, Sc, Mn, Y, Ga, and Yb; x represents a numerical value of 0.4?x?0.6; and y represents a numerical value of 0.17?y?0.60.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic is expressed by the composition formula 100[(Sr2?xCax)1+y/4Na1?yNb5?2/5zMnzO15]+?SiO2 (in the formula, 0?x<0.3, 0.1<y<0.6, 0<z<0.1 and 1<?<8) and constituted by polycrystal of tungsten bronze structure, wherein the degree of orientation of axis c of the polycrystal is 60% or more in Lotgering factor. The piezoelectric ceramic offers excellent temperature characteristics and supporting high-power driving.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic piezoelectric material which has excellent piezoelectric characteristics and excellent handling properties. Also disclosed are an ultrasound transducer using the organic piezoelectric material, an ultrasound probe, and an ultrasound medical diagnostic imaging system. Specifically disclosed is an organic piezoelectric material which contains a base material that is formed from a resin, and a specific compound (1) that has at least one linking group selected from among specific linking groups. The organic piezoelectric material is characterized in that the relation shown below is satisfied when the CLogP values of the specific compound (1) and the base material are respectively represented by CLogP(1) and CLogP(base material). Relation: |CLogP(1)?CLogP(base material)|?3.0.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a niobium compound of formula (I): D?Nb?E?O3-???(I) wherein D is an alkali metal (e.g. Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and/or Fr), alkaline earth metal (such as Ba, Ca, Mg and/or Sr), La and/or Bi and may be present as a mixture of two or more metals; E is Ta, Sb and/or Fe and may be present as a mixture of two or more metals; ? is a positive number ? is a positive number ? is zero or a positive number ? is a number 0???0.5; and wherein the formula (I) has the perovskite or tungsten bronze structure; comprising spray pyrolising a solution, for example an aqueous solution, comprising metal (D) ions, Nb ions and if present, metal (E) ions.

Abstract: A compound having a tungsten bronze structure exhibiting a high Curie temperature, good insulating resistance and mechanical quality factor, and excellent piezoelectric properties is provided. The compound contains a tungsten bronze structure oxide represented by general formula (1): x(BaB2O6)-y(CaB2O6)-z{(Bi1/2C1/2)B2O6}??(1) where B represents at least one of Nb and Ta; C represents at least one of Na and K; x+y+z=1; x satisfies 0.2?x?0.85; y satisfies 0?y?0.5; and z satisfies 0<z?0.8.

Abstract: A piezoceramic composition comprises, as the main phase, a crystalline phase of a perovskite structure signified as formula ABO3, with Element A consisting of one or more elements selected from among K (potassium), Na (sodium) and Li (lithium) and with Element B consisting of one or more elements selected from among Nb (niobium), Ta (tantalum) and Sb (antimony), with Elements A and B comprising other elements as additives. An X-ray diffraction profile of crushed particles of the piezoceramic composition that are 10 ?m or less in diameter has a diffraction peak indicating the presence of the main (single) phase as well as a heterogeneous phase of a crystalline structure signified as formula AsBtOu (s<t<u) but not belonging to the perovskite structure.

Abstract: A piezoelectric and/or pyroelectric composite solid hybrid material, includes: a solid dielectric matrix, a filler of at least one inorganic piezoelectric and/or pyroelectric material, wherein the filler includes filiform nanoparticles distributed throughout the volume of the solid dielectric matrix with an amount by volume of less than 50%, and in that the main directions of elongation of the filiform nanoparticles of the inorganic filler distributed in the dielectric matrix have a substantially isotropic distribution in the solid dielectric matrix.

Abstract: A nanorod and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed, and a nanorod including a ZnO nanorod; and a coating layer disposed on a ZnO surface and including RuO2 nanoparticles are disclosed concretely.

Abstract: A polymer composite piezoelectric body is obtained by conducting polarization treatment on a composite having piezoelectric particles uniformly mixed by dispersion in a polymer matrix containing cyanoethylated polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: This invention relates to partially ordered and ordered oxynitride perovskites of the general formula ABO2N that are polar insulators. A comprises one or more cations or set of cations that sit in sites derived from the A-site in the perovskite structure. B comprises one or more cations or set of cations that sit in sites derived from the B-site in the perovskite structure. C comprises oxygen, O, with optionally some nitrogen, N, and D comprises N, with optionally some O. The total valence of the cations A+B is equal to the total valence of the anions 2 C+D. Also disclosed are methods of producing such oxynitride perovskites and uses of such oxynitride perovskites.

Abstract: Piezoelectric compositions are provided wherein mechanical and piezoelectric properties can be separately modulated. Preferred compositions include resin blends that comprise: (a) a piezoelectrically active polymer and (b) a matrix polymer, methods of making, and use of such resin blends. Advantages of preferred resin blends of the invention can include high piezoelectricity, mechanical strength and flexibility, convenient fabrication process, and high sensitivity at high temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer material comprising a polymer and an organically modified layered silicate dispersed in the polymer. The total content of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal cations in the polymer material is ?1 ppm. It relates further to the use of the polymer material as an electret material, and to an electromechanical converter comprising such a polymer material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of producing fine particulate alkali metal niobate in a liquid phase system, wherein the size and shape of particles of the fine particulate alkali metal niobate can be controlled; and fine particulate alkali metal niobate having a controlled shape and size. Specifically disclosed are a method of producing particulate sodium-potassium niobate represented by the formula (1): NaxK(1-x)NbO3 (1), the method including four specific steps, wherein a high-concentration alkaline solution containing Na+ ion and K+ ion is used as an alkaline solution; and particulate sodium-potassium niobate having a controlled shape and size.

Abstract: Provided is an electret having high piezoelectric properties. An electret sheet of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a synthetic resin sheet is electrified by injecting electric charges thereinto, that the synthetic resin sheet comprises two types of synthetic resins incompatible with each other, and that these synthetic resins form a phase separated structure and are cross-linked through a polyfunctional monomer. Therefore, positive and negative charges in an apparently polarized state are present in the interfacial portions between the two types of synthetic resins incompatible with each other. By applying an external force to the electret sheet to deform it, the relative positions of these positive and negative charges are changed, and these changes cause a favorable electrical response. Therefore, the electret sheet has high piezoelectric properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric piezoelectric material comprising an aliphatic polyester (A) with a weight-average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and having optical activity, and a stabilizing agent (B) with a weight-average molecular weight of from 200 to 60,000 having at least one kind of functional group selected from the group consisting of a carbodiimide group, an epoxy group and an isocyanate group, wherein the crystallinity of the material obtained by a DSC method is from 20% to 80%, and a content of the stabilizing agent (B) is from 0.01 part by mass to 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the aliphatic polyester (A), as well as a process for producing the same.

Abstract: Provided is an oriented piezoelectric material with satisfactory sintering property free of Pb that is a hazardous substance, and a water-soluble alkaline ion, and a production method therefor. To this end, provided is a compound, including a tungsten bronze structure metal oxide, in which: the tungsten bronze structure metal oxide contains at least metal elements of Ba, Bi, Ca, and Nb, the metal elements satisfying the following conditions in terms of molar ratio; and has a C-axis orientation. The compound shows Ba/Nb=a: 0.363<a<0.399, Bi/Nb=b: 0.0110<b<0.0650, and Ca/Nb=c: 0.005<c<0.105. The tungsten bronze structure metal oxide preferably includes (1?x).Ca1.4Ba3.6Nb10O30?x.Ba4Bi0.67Nb10O30 (0.30?x?0.95).

Abstract: Piezoelectric compositions are provided wherein mechanical and piezoelectric properties can be separately modulated. Preferred compositions include resin blends that comprise: (a) a piezoelectrically active polymer and (b) a matrix polymer, methods of making, and use of such resin blends. Advantages of preferred resin blends of the invention can include high piezoelectricity, mechanical strength and flexibility, convenient fabrication process, and high sensitivity at high temperatures.

Abstract: There is provided a piezoelectric ceramics, including a perovskite compound of a non-stoichiometric composition represented by a composition formula (KxNa1-x)y(Nb1-zTaz)O3 (0<x<1?1, 0<y<1, 0?z?0.5); and a sintering aid which includes an oxide containing K, Co, and Ta.

Abstract: A perovskite oxide, which includes a first component represented by General Formula (P1) given below and a second component represented by General Formula (P2) given below. (Bix1, Xx2) (Fez1, Mnz2)O3 ??(P1) (Ay1, Yy2)BO3 ??(P2) (where, Bi is an A-site element and X is an A-site element with an average ion valence of not less than four. A is one kind or a plurality of kinds of A site elements other than Pb with an average ion valence of two, Y is a one kind or a plurality of kinds of A-site elements with an average valence of not less than three. Fe and Mn are B-site elements, and B is one kind or plurality of kinds of B-site elements with an average ion valence of four.) 0.6?x1<1.0, 0?x2?0.4, 0.65?y1<1.0, 0?y2?0.4, x2+y2>0, 0.6?z1<1.0, 0?z2?0.4.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-lead perovskite oxide having a low Curie temperature and high ferroelectricity represented by General Formula (P) given below. (Bix1,Bax2,Xx3)(Fey1,Tiy2,Mny3)O3??(P) (where, Bi and Ba are A-site elements, X is one kind or a plurality of kinds of A-site elements, other than Pb and Ba, with an average ion valence of 2. Fe, Ti, and Mn are B-site elements. O is oxygen. 0<x1+X2<1.0, 0<x3<1.0, 0<y1+y2<1.0, 0?y3<1.0, 0<x1, 0<x2, 0<y1, 0<y2. The standard molar ratios among A-site elements, B-site elements, and oxygen are 1:1:3, but the molar ratios among them may deviate from the standard ratios within a range in which a perovskite structure may be formed.

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 process for producing a homogenous multi compound system which is hydroxide- and/or oxide-based includes a first alternative process comprising providing a first and a second refractory metal in respective hydrofluoric solutions, and mixing the first and second hydrofluoric solutions to provide a mixed hydrofluoric solution comprising a dissolved first and second refractory metal. A second alternative process comprises dissolving the first and the second refractory metal in an alternative mixed hydrofluoric solution. The mixed hydrofluoric solution or the alternative mixed hydrofluoric solution is precipitated with a precipitant to provide a solids mixture in a suspension. The first and second refractory metal is from the group consisting of Mo, W, Nb, Re, Zr, Hf, V, Sb, Si, Al, and Ta. The first and second refractory metal are different. At least one of the first and second refractory metal is provided as a fluoro and/or as an oxyfluoro complex.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic is expressed by the composition formula 100[(Sr2?xCax)1+y/4Na1?yNb5?2/5zMnzO15]+?SiO2 (in the formula, 0?x<0.3, 0.1<y<0.6, 0<z<0.1 and 1<?<8) and constituted by polycrystal of tungsten bronze structure, wherein the degree of orientation of axis c of the polycrystal is 60% or more in Lotgering factor. The piezoelectric ceramic offers excellent temperature characteristics and supporting high-power driving.

Abstract: The present invention concerns polymers obtained by anionic initiation and bearing functions that can be activated by cationic initiations that are not reactive in the presence of anionic polymerization initiators. The presence of such cationic initiation functions allow an efficient cross-linking of the polymer after moulding, particularly in the form of a thin film. It is thus possible to obtain polymers with well-defined properties in terms of molecular weight and cross-linking density. The polymers of the present invention are capable of dissolving ionic compounds inducing a conductivity for the preparation of solid electrolytes.

Abstract: An oxide material having a langasite-type structure having a desired surface condition and a desired outer shape is obtained stably. By adding at least one selected from the group consisting of Ir, Pt, Au, and Rh to a raw material which is a composition used for producing a desired oxide material as an additive element, it is possible to control the wettability between a die portion at a bottom end of a crucible and a melt of the raw material, thereby implementing stable production of the oxide material while controlling the wetting and spread of the melt of the raw material leaked out through a hole of the crucible.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric material which includes a compound free of lead and alkali metal and has a good piezoelectric property. The piezoelectric material where tungsten bronze structure oxides being free of lead and alkali metal and represented by AxB10O30 and A?x?B?10O30 are combined to form a morphotropic phase boundary has good piezoelectric property. The AxB10O30 is b(Ba5?5?Bi10?/3Nb10O30)+(1?b)(Ba4Ag2Nb10O30) (0?b?1 and 0<??0.4), and the A?x?B?10O30 is c(Sr5Nb10O30)+d(Ca5Nb10O30)+e(Ba5Nb10O30) (0?c?0.8, 0?d?0.4, 0.1?e?0.9, and c+d+e=1).

Abstract: Piezoelectric compounds of the formula xNamBinTiO3-yKmBinTiO3-zLimBinTiO3-pBaTiO3 where (0<x?1), (0?y?1), (0?z?1), (0.3?m?0.7), (0.3?n?0.7), (0<p?1) (0.9?m/n?1.1) as well as to doped variations thereof are disclosed. The material is suitable for high power applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piezoelectric material which can be applied even to the MEMS technique, exhibits satisfactory piezoelectricity even at high ambient temperatures and is environmentally clean, namely, a piezoelectric material including an oxide obtained by forming a solid solution composed of two perovskite oxides A(1)B(1)O3 and A(2)B(2)O3 different from each other in crystalline phase, the oxide being represented by the following general formula (1): X{A(1)B(1)O3}?(1?X){A(2)B(2)O3}??(1) wherein “A(1)” and “A(2)” are each an element including an alkali earth metal and may be the same or different from each other; “B(1)” and “B(2)” each include two or more metal elements, and either one of “B(1)” and “B(2)” contains Cu in a content of 3 atm % or more; and “X” satisfies the relation 0<X<1.

Abstract: The plasma poling device includes: a holding electrode 4 being disposed in a poling chamber 1 and holding a substrate to be subjected to poling 2 thereon; an opposite electrode 7 being disposed in the poling chamber and being disposed opposite to the substrate to be subjected to poling held on the holding electrode; a power source 6 being electrically connected to either the holding electrode or the opposite electrode; a gas supply mechanism supplying a gas for forming plasma to a space between the opposite electrode and the holding electrode; and a control unit controlling the power source and the gas supply mechanism, wherein the control unit controls the power source and the gas supply mechanism, so as to form a plasma at a position opposite to the substrate to be subjected to poling to thereby perform poling treatment on the substrate to be subjected to poling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a homogenous solution of a fluoropolymer, selected from fluoropolymers and fluoro-copolymers and mixtures of various fluoro-homopolymers and/or fluoro-copolymers in a high boiling solvent, whereby (a) the fluoropolymer to be dissolved is dissolved in a mixture of at least two solvents, the first comprising a boiling point of less than 150° C., and/or a vapor pressure of over 5 hPa (at 20° C.), and the second being a high boiling solvent comprising a boiling point at least 50 K higher than the first solvent and/or the boiling point thereof being selected so that the solvent mixture comprises a separation factor ? of ?1, and subsequently (b) the first solvent is substantially or completely removed from the mixture. The invention further relates to a method for producing suspensions of inorganic particles of a piezoelectrically and pyroelectrically active or activatable oxide in such fluoropolymer solutions and to the product of said method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric foam formed of elastically anisotropic materials. The piezoelectric foam is defined with a unit cell having a relative density and volume fraction, and deformation specified by subjecting the unit cell to controlled mechanical and electrical loading conditions. Resultant stress and electric displacements field components are measured by capturing a homogeneous coupled response of the unit cell and by computing piezoelectric material constants using the captured homogeneous coupled response, to identify asymmetric and symmetric F1, F2 and F3 type piezoelectric foam structures.

Abstract: A perovskite oxide represented by a general expression, (Aa, Bb)(Cc, Dd, Xx)O3. (where, A: an A-site element, A=Bi, 0<a, B: one or more types of A-site elements, 0?b<1.0, C: an B-site element, C=Fe, 0 <c<1.0, D: one or more types of B-site elements, 0?d<1.0, 0<b+d, X: one or more types of B-site elements, the average valence of which is greater than the average valence of C and D in chemical formula, 0<x<1.0, (average valence of A-site in chemical formula) +(average valence of B-site in chemical formula)>6.0, O: oxygen, and standard molar ratio among A-site elements, B-site elements, and oxygen is 1:1:3, but it may deviate from the standard within a range in which a perovskite structure is possible.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic sintered body has a microstructure in which a matrix phase and an additional material phase having different compositions coexist and the additional material phase is dispersed in the matrix phase. A residual strain ratio of the additional material phase alone is larger than a residual strain ratio of the matrix phase alone. The matrix phase and the additional material phase have a composition in which a Mn compound containing Mn atoms of 0 parts by mole or more and 3 parts by mole or less and a Ba compound containing Ba atoms of 0 parts by mole or more and 1 part by mole or less are contained in a composite of 100 parts by mole represented by a general formula {Liy(Na1-xKx)1-y}a(Nb1-z-wTazSbw)O3, where a, x, y, z and w satisfy 0.9?a?1.2, 0.2?x?0.8, 0.0?y?0.2, 0?z?0.5 and 0?w?0.1, respectively.

Abstract: An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix, a plurality of carbon nanotubes and a plurality of reinforcing particles dispersed in the flexible polymer matrix. The carbon nanotubes cooperatively form an electrically conductive network in the flexible polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piezoelectric polymer film element, in particular a polymer foil, comprising a polymer matrix, wherein hollow particles are arranged in the polymer matrix, and a process for the production of such a piezoelectric polymer film element, comprising the steps: A) provision of hollow particles and B) introduction of the hollow particles into a polymer matrix and C) shaping of the polymer matrix as a polymer film. The invention furthermore relates to an electromechanical converter comprising at least one first polymer film which comprises hollow particles as fillers.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a single LTGA crystal from a polycrystalline starting material prepared from a mixture of La2O3, Ta2O5, Ga2O3, and Al2O3, wherein a mixture having a composition represented by y(La2O3)+(1-x-y-z)(Ta2O5)+z(Ga2O3)+x(Al2O3) (in the formula, 0<x?0.40/9, 3.00/9<y?3.23/9, and 5.00/9?z<5.50/9) is used as the polycrystalline starting material, and a single LTGA crystal is grown using the Z-axis as a crystal growth axis. The grown LTGA single crystal is preferably subjected to a vacuum heat treatment. The single LTGA crystal grown by the method according to the present invention, which is highly insulative and highly stable, can be utilized in such applications as a piezoelectric element of a highly reliable combustion pressure sensor useful in measurement of a combustion pressure in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A piezoelectric and/or pyroelectric composite solid hybrid material, includes: a solid dielectric matrix, a filler of at least one inorganic piezoelectric and/or pyroelectric material, wherein the filler includes filiform nanoparticles distributed throughout the volume of the solid dielectric matrix with an amount by volume of less than 50%, and in that the main directions of elongation of the filiform nanoparticles of the inorganic filler distributed in the dielectric matrix have a substantially isotropic distribution in the solid dielectric matrix.

Abstract: A (Li, Na, K)(Nb, Ta, Sb)O3 based piezoelectric material is a sintered body having a surface microstructure that comprises microscopic grains having a grain diameter of less than 5 ?m, intermediate grains having a grain diameter of 5 ?m or more and less than 15 ?m, and coarse grains having a grain diameter of 15 ?m or more and 50 ?m or less. The amount of coarse grains is 3% or more in a share of grains in terms of area. The piezoelectric material can be manufactured by mixing metal-containing compounds so as to give the above-mentioned formulation, calcining the mixture and then crushing the resultant to obtain a calcined/crushed powder, then keeping temperature constantly at a temperature within a range from 800 to 950° C. for a predetermined period of time in a constant temperature keeping process, and raising temperature to firing temperature for sintering.

Abstract: A (Li, Na, K)(Nb, Ta)O3-based piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition having large electric field-induced distortion at the time of application of a high electric field is provided. A perovskite oxide is synthesized which contains Li (lithium), Na (sodium) and K (potassium) as A-site elements and contains at least Nb (niobium) and Sb (antimony) out of Nb, Ta (tantalum) and Sb as B-site elements, the ratio of the total number of atoms of the A-site elements to the total number of atoms of the B-site elements being larger than 1, and then a Bi (bismuth) compound is added and reacted. The amount of addition of the Bi compound with respect to 100 molar parts of the perovskite oxide is preferably not less than 0.02 molar part nor more than 0.1 molar part in terms of Bi atoms.

Abstract: An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a plurality of carbon nanotubes dispersed in the flexible polymer matrix. The carbon nanotubes cooperatively form an electrically conductive network in the flexible polymer matrix. A plurality of bubbles are defined by the flexible polymer matrix.

Abstract: A crystallographically-oriented ceramic containing Pb and in which piezoelectric/electrostrictive properties can be enhanced. Using a raw material having Pb(Zr1-xTiX)O3 as a main component, a ceramic sheet was formed with a thickness of 15 ?m or less. In this material, grains were allowed to grow into an anisotropic shape, and crystal grains with specific crystal planes being aligned were produced. A non-oriented raw material having Pb(Zr1-xTiX)O3 as a main component and the crystal grains were mixed, and shaping was performed so that crystal grains were oriented in a predetermined direction. The shaped body was fired. In the resulting ceramic, the degree of orientation was high at 50% or more. It is possible to enhance the degree of orientation using, as crystal nuclei, a ceramic sheet which can have the same composition as that of the crystallographically-oriented ceramic. Therefore, production can be performed without adding an unnecessary element, for example, for orienting crystals.

Abstract: The invention provides a piezoelectric polymer material comprising a helical chiral polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and optical activity, the piezoelectric polymer material having: crystallinity as obtained by a DSC method of from 20% to 80%; a transmission haze with respect to visible light of 50% or less; and a product of the crystallinity and a standardized molecular orientation MORc, which is measured with a microwave transmission-type molecular orientation meter at a reference thickness of 50 ?m, of from 40 to 700.

Abstract: An electret composite comprising a polymer matrix material that contains particles of a piezoelectric material with deep trapping centers on the interphase boundaries between the matrix and particles of a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material may have a tetragonal or a rhombohedral structure, and the polymer matrix material may be selected from high-density polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and a copolymer of vinylidenechloride and tetrafluoroethylene. The composite has a potential difference>500V, lifespan>10 years, dielectric permeability?20, specific electric resistance?1014 Ohm·m; provision of deep trapping centers on the interphase boundaries with activation energy in the range of 1 to 1.25 eV, and stable electret charge.

Abstract: A process for producing a piezoelectric oxide having a composition (Ba, Bi, A)(Ti, Fe, M)O3, where each of A and M represents one or more metal elements. The composition is determined so as to satisfy the conditions (1) and (2), 0.98?TF(P)?1.02,??(1) TF(BiFeO3)<TF(AMO3)<TF(BaTiO3),??(2) where TF(P) is the tolerance factor of the perovskite oxide, and TF(BaTiO3), TF(BiFeO3), and TF(AMO3) are respectively the tolerance factors of the oxides BaTiO3, BiFeO3, and AMO3.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a niobium compound of formula (I): D?Nb?E?O3-???(I) wherein D is an alkali metal (e.g. Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and/or Fr), alkaline earth metal (such as Ba, Ca, Mg and/or Sr), La and/or Bi and may be present as a mixture of two or more metals; E is Ta, Sb and/or Fe and may be present as a mixture of two or more metals; ? is a positive number ? is a positive number ? is zero or a positive number ? is a number 0???0.5; and wherein the formula (I) has the perovskite or tungsten bronze structure; comprising spray pyrolising a solution, for example an aqueous solution, comprising metal (D) ions, Nb ions and if present, metal (E) ions.

Abstract: A (Li, Na, K)(Nb, Ta)O3 based piezoelectric/electrostrictive porcelain composition obtained by adding a slight amount of a Mn compound to a perovskite type oxide containing Li, Na and K as A-site elements and contains at least Nb out of Nb and Ta as B-site elements, where a ratio of a total number of atoms of the A-site elements to a total number of atoms of the B-site elements is not smaller than 1. A composition of the perovskite type oxide as a principal component is represented by a general formula: {Liy(Na1-xKx)1-y}a(Nb1-zTaz)O3. The A/B ratio “a” preferably satisfies 1<a?1.05. The Mn compound as an accessory component is desirably added such that the added amount is not more than 3 parts by mol in terms of Mn atom with respect to 100 parts by mol of said perovskite type oxide.

Abstract: A piezoelectric single crystal and piezoelectric and dielectric application parts using the same are provided, which have all of high dielectric constant K3T, high piezoelectric constants (d33 and k33), high phase transition temperatures (Tc and TRT), high coercive electric field Ec and improved mechanical properties and thus can be used in high temperature ranges and high voltage conditions. Furthermore, the piezoelectric single crystals are produced by the solid-state single crystal growth adequate for mass production of single crystals and the single crystal composition is developed not to contain expensive raw materials so that the piezoelectric single crystals can be easily commercialized. With the piezoelectric single crystals and piezoelectric single crystal application parts, the piezoelectric and dielectric application parts using the piezoelectric single crystals of excellent properties can be produced and used in the wide temperature range.

Abstract: A (Li, Na, K)(Nb, Ta)O3-based piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition having a large field-induced distortion during application of a high electric field is provided. After synthesizing a perovskite oxide containing Li (lithium), Na (sodium) and K (potassium) as A-site elements and containing at least Nb (niobium) out of the Nb and Ta (tantalum) as B-site elements, a ratio of total number of atoms of the A-site elements to total number of atoms of the B-site elements being higher than 1, a Bi (bismuth) compound is added to the perovskite oxide and the perovskite oxide is reacted with the Bi compound. An addition amount of the Bi compound with respect to 100 molar parts of the perovskite oxide is preferably equal to or greater than 0.01 molar part and equal to or smaller than 0.1 molar part in terms of Bi atoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piezoelectric element and having a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes being contact with the piezoelectric body, wherein the piezoelectric body consists of an ABO3 perovskite oxide in which an A-site atom consists of Bi and a B-site atom is composed of an atom of at least two types of elements.