Piezoelectric properties of individual nanocrystallites of Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 obtained by oxalate precursor route

Nanocrystalline Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 (BCZT) powder was synthesized via the complex oxalate precursor route at a relatively low temperature (800 degrees C/5 h). The phase formation temperature of BCZT at nanoscale was confirmed by thermogravimetric (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) followed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) studies. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was carried out to confirm the complete decomposition of oxalate precursor into BCZT phase. The XRD and profile fitting revealed the coexistence of cubic and tetragonal phases and was corroborated by Raman study. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) carried out on 800 degrees C and 1000 degrees C/5 h heat treated BCZT powder revealed the crystallite size to be in the range of 20-50 nm and 40-200 nm respectively. The optical band gap for BCZT nanocrystalline powder was obtained using Kubelka Munk function and was found to be around 3.12 +/- 0.02 eV and 3.03 +/- 0.02 eV respectively for 800 degrees C (20-50 nm) and 1000 degrees C/5 h (40-200 nm) heat treated samples. The piezoelectric properties were studied for two different crystallite sizes (30 and 70 nm) using a piezoresponse force microscope (PFM). The d(33) coefficients obtained for 30 nm and 70 nm sized crystallites were 4 pm V-1 and 47 pm V-1 respectively. These were superior to that of BaTiO3 nanocrystal (approximate to 50 nm) and promising from a technological/industrial applications viewpoint.

Electromechanical Analysis of Tapered Piezoelectric Bimorph at High Electric Field

Piezoelectric bimorph laminar actuator of tapered width exhibits better performance for out-of-plane deflection compared to the rectangular surface area, while consuming equal surface area. This paper contains electromechanical analysis and modeling of a tapered width piezoelectric bimorph laminar actuator at high electric field in static state. The analysis is based on the second order constitutive equations of piezoelectric material, assuming small strain and large electric field to capture its behavior at high electric field. Analytical expressions are developed for block force, output strain energy, output energy density, input electrical energy, capacitance and energy efficiency at high electric field. The analytical expressions show that for fixed length, thickness, and surface area of the actuator, how the block force and output strain energy gets improved in a tapered surface actuator compared to a rectangular surface. Constant thickness, constant length and constant surface area of the actuator ensure constant mass, and constant electrical capacitance. We consider high electric field in both series and parallel electrical connection for the analysis. Part of the analytical results is validated with the experimental results, which are reported in earlier literature.

Effect of mass loading on ionic polymer metal composite actuators and sensors

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC) actuator for flapping insect scale wing is advantageous due to its low mass, high deflection and simple actuation mechanism. Some of the factors that affect the actuation of IPMC are the amount of hydration in the polymer membrane and the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity etc. In structural design, the attachment of wing on the IPMC actuators is an important concern as the attached wing increases the mass of actuators thereby affecting the parameters like displacement, stiffness and resonant frequencies. Such IPMC actuators have to produce sufficient actuation force and frequency to lift and flap the attached wing. Therefore, it is relevant to study the influence of attachment of wing on the actuator parameters (displacement, resonant frequency, block force and stiffness) and performance of the actuators. This paper is divided into two parts; the first part deals with the modeling of the IPMC actuators for its effect on the level of water uptake and temperature using energy based method. The modeling method adapted is validated with the experimental procedure used to actuate the IPMC. The second part deals with the experimental analysis of IPMC actuation at dry, wet and in water conditions. The effect of end mass loading on the performance of 20 Hz, high frequency actuator (HFA) and 8.7 Hz, low frequency IPMC actuators (LFA) and sensors is studied. The IPMC actuators are attached with IPMC flapping wing at its free end and performance analysis on the attached wing is also carried out.

Structural crossover from nonmodulated to long-period modulated tetragonal phase and anomalous change in ferroelectric properties in the lead-free piezoelectric Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-BaTiO3

The highly complex structure-property interrelationship in the lead-free piezoelectric (x) Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3 - (1 - x) BaTiO3 is a subject of considerable contemporary debate. Using comprehensive x-ray, neutron diffraction, dielectric, and ferroelectric studies, we have shown the existence of a new criticality in this system at x = 0.80, i.e., well within the conventional tetragonal phase field. This criticality manifests as a nonmonotonic variation of the tetragonality and coercivity and is shown to be associated with a crossover from a nonmodulated tetragonal phase (for x < 0.8) to a long-period modulated tetragonal phase (for x > 0.80). It is shown that the stabilization of long-period modulation introduces a characteristic depolarization temperature in the system. While differing qualitatively from the two-phase model often suggested for the critical compositions of this system, our results support the view with regard to the tendency in perovskites to stabilize long-period modulated structures as a result of complex interplay of antiferrodistortive modes Bellaiche and Iniguez, Phys. Rev. B 88, 014104 ( 2013); Prosandeev, Wang, Ren, Iniguez, ands Bellaiche, Adv. Funct. Mater. 23, 234 (2013)].

Dynamic response of a piezoelectric flapping wing

Piezo-composite membranes have advantages over motorized flapping where frequencies are high and certain coupling between bending and twisting is useful to generate lift and forward flight. We draw examples of fruit fly and bumble bee. Wings with Piezo ceramic PZT coating are realized. The passive mechanical response of the wing is characterized experimentally and validated using finite element simulation. Piezoelectric actuation with uniform electrode coating is characterized and optimal frequencies for flapping are identified. The experimental data are used in an empirical model and advanced ratio for a flapping insect like condition for various angular orientations is estimated.

Multiobjective Optimization of Piezoelectric Bimorph Actuator with Rigid Extension

Production of high tip deflection in a piezoelectric bimorph laminar actuator by applying high voltage is limited by many physical constraints. Therefore, piezoelectric bimorph actuator with a rigid extension of non-piezoelectric material at its tip is used to increase the tip deflection of such an actuator. Research on this type of piezoelectric bending actuator is either limited to first order constitutive relations, which do not include non-linear behavior of piezoelectric element at high electric field, or limited to curve fitting techniques. Therefore, this paper considers high electric field, and analytically models tapered piezoelectric bimorph actuator with a rigid extension of non-piezoelectric material at its tip. The stiffness, capacitance, effective tip deflection, block force, output strain energy, output energy density, input electrical energy and energy efficiency of the actuator are calculated analytically. The paper also discusses the multi-objective optimization of this type of actuator subjected to the mechanical and electrical constraints.

Stability analysis of thick piezoelectric metal based FGM plate using first order and higher order shear deformation theory

This paper presents the stability analysis of functionally graded plate integrated with piezoelectric actuator and sensor at the top and bottom face, subjected to electrical and mechanical loading. The finite element formulation is based on first order and higher order shear deformation theory, degenerated shell element, von-Karman hypothesis and piezoelectric effect. The equation for static analysis is derived by using the minimum energy principle and solutions for critical buckling load is obtained by solving eigenvalue problem. The material properties of the functionally graded plate are assumed to be graded along the thickness direction according to simple power law function. Two types of boundary conditions are used, such as SSSS (simply supported) and CSCS (simply supported along two opposite side perpendicular to the direction of compression and clamped along the other two sides). Sensor voltage is calculated using present analysis for various power law indices and FG (functionally graded) material gradations. The stability analysis of piezoelectric FG plate is carried out to present the effects of power law index, material variations, applied mechanical pressure and piezo effect on buckling and stability characteristics of FG plate.

Phase boundary at x=0.03 and its anomalous influence on the structure and properties in the lead-free piezoelectric (1-x)Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(x)BaTiO3

The complexity associated with local structures continues to pose challenges with regard to the understanding of the structure-property relationship in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-based lead-free piezoceramics. (1-x)Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-(x)BaTiO3 is an extensively studied system because of its interesting piezoelectric properties. Recently, a room temperature phase boundary was reported at x = 0.03 in this system Ma et al., Adv. Funct. Mater. 23, 5261 (2013)]. In the present work we have examined this subtle phase boundary using x-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, dielectric measurements as a function of composition (x < 0.06), temperature, and electric field. Our results show that this boundary separates an R3c + Cc-like structural state for x < 0.03 from an R3c+ cubiclike structural state for 0.03 <= x <= 0.05 in the unpoled specimens. This phase boundary is characterized by an anomalous reduction in the depolarization temperature, and a suppression of the tetragonal distortion of the high temperature P4bm phase. Our results also provide the clue to understand the pathway leading to the cubiclike structure of the critical composition x = 0.06, known for its highest piezoelectric response.

Relaxor ferroelectricity and electric-field-driven structural transformation in the giant lead-free piezoelectric (Ba,Ca)(Ti, Zr)O-3

There is great interest in lead-free (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O-3 (15/10BCTZ) because of its exceptionally large piezoelectric response Liu and Ren, Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 257602 (2009)]. In this paper, we have analyzed the nature of: (i) crystallographic phase coexistence at room temperature, (ii) temperature-and field-induced phase transformation to throw light on the atomistic mechanisms associated with the large piezoelectric response of this system. A detailed temperature-dependent dielectric and lattice thermal expansion study proved that the system exhibits a weak dielectric relaxation, characteristic of a relaxor ferroelectric material on the verge of exhibiting a normal ferroelectric-paraelectric transformation. Careful structural analysis revealed that a ferroelectric state at room temperature is composed of three phase coexistences, tetragonal (P4mm)+ orthorhombic (Amm2) + rhombohedral (R3m). We also demonstrate that the giant piezoresponse is associated with a significant fraction of the tetragonal phase transforming to rhombohedral. It is argued that the polar nanoregions associated with relaxor ferroelectricity amplify the piezoresponse by providing an additional degree of intrinsic structural inhomogeneity to the system.

Outstanding dielectric constant and piezoelectric coefficient in electrospun nanofiber mats of PVDF containing silver decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes: assessing through piezoresponse force microscopy

In order to enhance the piezoelectric b-phase, PVDF was electrospun from DMF solution. The enhanced b-phase was discerned by comparing the electrospun fibers against the melt mixed samples. While both the processes resulted in phase transformation of a-to electroactive b-polymorph in PVDF, the fraction of b-phase was strongly dependent on the adopted process. Two different nanoscopic particles: carboxyl functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silver (Ag) decorated CNTs were used to further enhance the piezoelectric coefficient in the electrospun fibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) supports the development of piezoelectric b-phase in PVDF. It was concluded that electrospinning was the best technique for inducing the b-polymorph in PVDF. This was attributed to the high voltage electrostatic field that generates extensional forces on the polymer chains that aligns the dipoles in one direction. The ferroelectric and piezoelectric measurement on electrospun fibers were studied using piezo-response force microscope (PFM). The Ag-CNTs filled PVDF electrospun fibers showed the highest piezoelectric coefficient (d(33) = 54 pm V-1) in contrast to PVDF/CNT fibers (35 pm V-1) and neat PVDF (30 pm V-1). This study demonstrates that the piezoelectric coefficient can be enhanced significantly by electrospinning PVDF containing Ag decorated nanoparticles.

Electromechanical analysis of piezoelectric bimorph actuator in static state considering the nonlinearity at high electric field

This article contains electromechanical analysis of a piezoelectric bimorph actuator at high electric field by incorporating second-order constitutive equations of piezoelectric material. Tip deflection, block force, block moment, block load, output strain energy, output energy density, input electrical energy, and energy efficiency are analytically derived for the actuator at high electric field. The analysis shows that output energy and energy density increase more rapidly at high electric field, compared to the prediction by the linear model. The analysis shows energy efficiency depends on electric field. Some analytical results are validated with the published experimental results.

Anomalous reduction in domain wall displacement at the morphotropic phase boundary of the piezoelectric alloy system PbTiO3-BiScO3

A comparative study of field-induced domain switching and lattice strain was carried out by in situ electric-field-dependent high-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction on a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) and a near-MPB rhombohedral/pseudomonoclinic composition of a high-performance piezoelectric alloy (1-x) PbTiO3-(x)BiScO3. It is demonstrated that the MPB composition showing large d(33) similar to 425 pC/N exhibits significantly reduced propensity of field-induced domain switching as compared to the non-MPB rhombohedral composition (d(33) similar to 260 pC/N). These experimental observations contradict the basic premise of the martensitic-theory-based explanation which emphasizes on enhanced domain wall motion as the primary factor for the anomalous piezoelectric response in MPB piezoelectrics. Our results favor field-induced structural transformation to be the primary mechanism contributing to the large piezoresponse of the critical MPB composition of this system.

Structural, Optical, and Piezoelectric Response of Lead-Free Ba0.95Mg0.05Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 Nanocrystalline Powder

Nanocrystalline powders of Ba1-xMgxZr0.1Ti0.9O3 (x = 0.025-0.1) were synthesized via citrate assisted sol-gel method. Interestingly, the one with x = 0.05 in the system Ba1-xMgxZr0.1Ti0.9O3 exhibited fairly good piezoelectric response aside from the other physical properties. The phase and structural confirmation of synthesized powder was established by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman Spectroscopic techniques. Two distinct Raman bands i.e., 303 and 723 cm(-1) characteristic of tetragonal phase were observed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to evaluate the phase decomposition of the as-synthesized Ba0.95Mg0.05Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 sample as a function of temperature. The average crystallite size associated with Ba0.95Mg0.05Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 was calculated using Scherrer formula based on the XRD data and was found to be 25 nm. However, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy studies revealed the average crystallite size to be in the range of 30-40 nm, respectively. Kubelka-Munk function was employed to determine the optical band gap of these nanocrystallites. A piezoelectric response of 26 pm/V was observed for Ba0.95Mg0.05Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 nanocrystal by Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) technique. Photoluminescence (PL) study carried out on these nanocrystals exhibited a blue emission (470 nm) at room temperature.

Nanomaterial-based ionic polymermetal composite insect scale flapping wing actuators

Small size actuators (8 mm x 1 mm), IPMNC (RuO2/Nafion) and IPMNC (LbL/CNC) are studied for flapping at the frequency of insects and compared to Platinum IPMC-Pt. Flapping wing actuators based on IPMNC (RuO2/Nafion) are modeled with the size of three dragonfly species. To achieve maximum actuation performance with Sympetrum Frequens scale actuator with optimized Young's modulus, the effect of variation of thickness of electrode and Nafion region of Sympetrum Frequens scale actuator is studied. A trade-off in the electrode thickness and Young's modulus for dragonfly size IPMNC-RuO2/Nafion actuator is essential to achieve the desirable flapping performance.

Quasi-static and dynamic strain sensing using carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite thin films

Thin films are developed by dispersing carbon black nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in an epoxy polymer. The films show a large variation in electrical resistance when subjected to quasi-static and dynamic mechanical loading. This phenomenon is attributed to the change in the band-gap of the CNTs due to the applied strain, and also to the change in the volume fraction of the constituent phases in the percolation network. Under quasi-static loading, the films show a nonlinear response. This nonlinearity in the response of the films is primarily attributed to the pre-yield softening of the epoxy polymer. The electrical resistance of the films is found to be strongly dependent on the magnitude and frequency of the applied dynamic strain, induced by a piezoelectric substrate. Interestingly, the resistance variation is found to be a linear function of frequency and dynamic strain. Samples with a small concentration of just 0.57% of CNT show a sensitivity as high as 2.5% MPa-1 for static mechanical loading. A mathematical model based on Bruggeman's effective medium theory is developed to better understand the experimental results. Dynamic mechanical loading experiments reveal a sensitivity as high as 0.007% Hz(-1) at a constant small-amplitude vibration and up to 0.13%/mu-strain at 0-500 Hz vibration. Potential applications of such thin films include highly sensitive strain sensors, accelerometers, artificial neural networks, artificial skin and polymer electronics.