While in previous years the preparation and properties of lead-free piezoceramics based on BaTiO3 (BTO, BCZT, Ce-BCZT, BCSnT, BST,...) were systematically studied at the Department of Ceramics and Polymers, current research is moving more towards the preparation and study of their composites with other dielectric and ferroelectric ceramic materials. Composites using a combination of mechanical and electrical properties of individual components are promising for improving the properties of materials in electronics. Some of the properties can be increased even above the values ​​of the individual components due to the synergistic effect in the composite. Particulate composites based on a combination of ferroelectric and dielectric ceramics appear promising. Grains of lead-free strong piezoelectric ceramics BTO, BCZT, BST, and BCSnT are combined with high-modulus Al2O3 and ZrO2 grains to increase mechanical resistance and electromechanical coupling. Our previous experience with the preparation of functional composites shows that the formation of the interface using the preparation technology positively affects their functional properties. Electromechanical properties are determined experimentally and modeled. Furthermore, the influence of the phase transformation of the ferroelectric component on the resulting properties is studied. Currently, the research at the Department of Ceramics and Polymers is focused namely on the development of new bulk, laminated, and textured lead-free piezoceramics and composites, among others within common projects with the Institute of Physics of Materials CAS Brno and in cooperation with Technical University of Liberec.

Contact person:
Karel Maca, prof.