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lead zirconate titanate

chemical compound

Quick Summary

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is a ceramic material known for its piezoelectric properties. Piezoelectricity is the phenomenon where certain solids, like PZT, generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress, such as squeezing or bending. Conversely, these materials will change their dimensions when an electric field is applied.123

PZT is a polycrystalline ceramic that lacks an inversion center, a characteristic necessary for piezoelectricity. This property makes PZT useful in various applications, including transducers for sound generation, accelerometers, pressure gauges, and gas igniters. The piezoelectric coefficient for lead zirconate titanate is approximately 3 × 10−10 meters per volt.21

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