Electron-Ceramics

Zirconia dioxide has dielectric and piezoelectric properties that allow its use in the fabrication of special electro-ceramics for use in a wide range of applications in the automotive, aerospace and telecommunication sectors, among many others. The most common Zirconia-based electro-ceramic is Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT, Pb[Zr(x)Ti(1-x)]O3), which has good machine- ability and can be easily formed into tubes, rings, discs, plates and other complex shapes, in sizes from microns to centimeters. Important PZT characteristics include:

As a dielectric, PZT can store electrical charge with low electrical loss, thermal stability and resistance to interference from electromagnetic fields.
As a piezoelectric, it has the attribute of producing an electrical charge when mechanically compressed or vibrating when an electrical charge is applied.
As a pyroelectric material, it holds the ability to develop a voltage difference across its faces when experiencing a temperature change
As a ferroelectric material, it can have spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by the action of an external electric field

PZT in a wide range of products and industries

Microwave dielectrics.
Radio frequency power capacitors.
AC/DC high voltage capacitors.
General high voltage capacitors.
Gas furnaces and fire igniters.
Ultrasonic transducers for agitation in cleaning tanks.
Underwater sonars, beacons, and current meters.
Gyroscopes, accelerometers, and level sensing devices for airplanes.
Ultrasonic toothbrushes, jewelry cleaners, contact lens cleaners, computer hard drives, touch screen displays, integrated, and ultra-thin speakers.
Flow and level sensors for industrial applications, ultrasonic welding, intrusion alarms, solder dispensing, and machine vibration monitoring.
Optical switching of telecom lines, buzzers and alarms.
Mobile phone cameras.
Automotive power seat controls, distance and contact sensors.
Scanning probe microscopy.
Drill tool monitoring in oil exploration.