Identification of process parameters for efficient poling of PZT ceramics for mass production.

Advanced, cost-effective and series compatible manufacturing of active structural components demands for short production times and complex multi-material designs. Highest efficiency is achieved when integrating the poling process of the piezoceramic that activates the piezoelectric effect into the manufacturing chain. The present paper reports on first results of the systematic evaluation of parameters governing the poling regime of commercial lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics. It aims to find the conditions for efficient poling of the active material as an integrated technology step in mass production. In the present investigation, the influence of poling field strength and temperature on the obtained remanent polarization is considered by varying the temperature from −175 °C to 150 °C and the electric poling field strength from 1.0 to 2.0 kV/mm. Six commercially available piezoceramic materials, primarily used in actuator applications, were investigated. From the findings, it was possible to deduce technological parameters for an efficient poling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]