Bosnia and Herzegovina

School Year 2023-2024

Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Una- Sana Canton
City of Bihać
Richmond Park College, Bihać

Highschool Graduation Paper

Subject: Physics
Topic: Piezoelectric effect

Mentor: ____________________ Student: ____________________

Belma Vatić, prof. Edi Abdić

Bihać, april 2024.

 CONTENT

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................1
1. PIEZOELECTRICITY ........................................................................................................................2
2.PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIALS............................................................................................................4
3.APPLICATIONS OF THE PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT .............................................................................6
3.1. APPLICATIONS IN EVERYDAY USE ..........................................................................................6
3.2. MY APPLICATION OF PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT ........................................................................8
3.3. CONVERTER ....................................................................................................................... 11
3.4. PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR ............................................................................................... 11
3.5. PIEZOELECTRIC PRESSURE SENSOR ................................................................................... 12
4. CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................. 13
LITERATURE .................................................................................................................................... 14
 INTRODUCTION
The piezoelectric effect (Greek: piezo - push) is the appearance of the formation of
bound electrical charges on the surface of some solids during their mechanical deformation
(the reverse claim also applies). Such substances are called piezoelectric substances or
piezoelectrics. The first assumptions about the existence of such an effect were made by
Coulomb (1815), hypothesizing that it was possible to produce electricity by deformation
of a solid body. In 1820, Becquerel proposed experiments with mineral crystals in this
regard. These experiments were performed in 1880 by brothers Pierre and Jacques Curie at
the age of 21 and 24, respectively, becoming discoverers of the piezoelectric effect.

Namely, even before their discovery, there was a known property of the appearance
of electric poles of different omens at opposite ends of crystals when crystals would be
exposed to a change in temperature - this phenomenon is called pyroelectricity (greek. pyr
- fire). P. and J. Curie were able to achieve the same effect by applying force to the crystal
in certain directions.

The name piezoelectricity was proposed in 1881 (Hankel), and in the same year the
assumption was made about the existence of the opposite effect - the mechanical
deformation of crystals if various electrical charges were brought to the opposite ends.

This assumption was confirmed in 1881 by the discoverers of the effect, P. and J.
Curie. Later, it turned out that the reversibility of this phenomenon is due to symmetries in
crystals. Science and technology have obtained a simple, direct and extremely precise way
of converting mechanical into electricity and vice versa.

The theoretical basis for understanding the piezoelectric effect was laid by Kelvin
(1893), and tensor equations describing the (linear) relationship between deformation and
the electric field in piezoelectric crystals were given by Voight in 1894.

The first practical applications of the piezoelectric effect occurred during World War
I., when the first sonar detection devices for submarinedetection were produced. In the
following years, new piezoelectric materials were discovered, and the theoretical
understanding of phenomenon was improved. Today, attention is focused on new
technological applications and the discovery of new piezoelectric materials (piezoelectric
ceramics and synthetic polymers proved to be particularly useful).

These discoveries have opened the door to great advances in understanding solid state
physics, and their technological applications and civilizational importance are enormous.
1
1. PIEZOELECTRICITY

Piezoelectricity, a remarkable property exhibited by certain materials like quartz, lead

zirconate titanate (PZT), and various polymers, has revolutionized numerous
technological applications. This effect manifests as the generation of electric charge in
response to mechanical stress, making piezoelectric materials invaluable in a wide range
of fields.

Piezoelectricity is a process where certain materials create an electric charge in reply to

mechanical stress or pressure. When those certain materials are subjected to pressure, one
side of the material becomes positively charged, and other side of the material becomes
negatively charged, and that process creates us electricity.

There is also a effect known as „inverse piezoelectricity“ or „inverse piezoelectric effect“

those same materials will lenghten or shorten in response to applied voltage. The
voltages, movements, and forces generated by piezo materials are small and usually
require amplification. For example, a typical disc of piezolectric ceramic will increase or
decrease in size by only a small fraction of a millimeter.

Moreover, dielectric crystals, when placed in an external electric field, become polarized.
The electrical properties of these crystals are intricately linked to the electrical
polarization induced by external factors such as electric fields, temperature variations,
mechanical loads, and more.

This property allows opportunities for implementing renewable and sustainable energy
through power harvesting and self-sustained smart sensing in buildings.

2
3
2.PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIALS

Materials commonly used for piezoelectric applications include:

1. Quartz: Natural quartz crystals are widely used due to their excellent piezoelectric
properties and stability.

2. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT): PZT ceramics are popular in various applications
due to their high piezoelectric coefficients and versatility.

3. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF): PVDF is a flexible polymer that exhibits

piezoelectric behavior, making it suitable for sensors and actuators.

4. Barium titanate (BaTiO3): BaTiO3 ceramics are another class of materials known
for their piezoelectric properties, although they are less commonly used compared
to PZT.

5. Gallium nitride (GaN): GaN is a semiconductor material with emerging

applications in high-power and high-frequency piezoelectric devices.

These materials are chosen based on factors such as their piezoelectric coefficients,
mechanical properties, stability, and compatibility with specific applications.

The piezoelectric effect is found in both natural and synthetic materials. Natural quartz
and synthetic ferroelectric ceramics, particularly lead zirconate titanate (PZT), are
commonly used. PZT offers significantly higher piezoelectric coefficients than quartz. It's
typically used in ceramic form, polished to exhibit its piezoelectric properties.

PZT's best properties are observed near the Zr:Ti 1:1 ratio, at what's called the morphotropic
phase boundary (MPB) region. Here, the crystal structure transitions between tetragonal
and rhombohedral phases. The MPB region allows for efficient polishing and maximizes
piezoelectric coefficients.

Recently, a new class of piezoelectric crystals, solid solutions of relaxor ferroelectrics and
pheroelectrics, has been discovered. These crystals exhibit exceptional piezoelectric
coefficients along specific crystallographic directions, particularly near the MPB. Polishing
these crystals in nonpolar directions forms a unique domain structure, enhancing
piezoelectric response.

4
Piezoelectric plate

5
3.APPLICATIONS OF THE PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT

The areas of application of piezoelectric materials can be roughly divided into two
categories: vibration energy and ultrasonic vibration, energy and electricity converters,
including electroacoustic converters, hydroacoustic converters and ultrasonic converters,
etc., as well as other sensors and driveapplications.

3.1. APPLICATIONS IN EVERYDAY USE

The piezoelectric effect is utilized in various everyday applications, including:

1. Ultrasound Imaging: Piezoelectric materials are used in ultrasound transducers to

generate and detect ultrasound waves for medical imaging purposes.

2. Gas Lighters: Many gas lighters utilize a piezoelectric crystal to generate a high
voltage spark, igniting the gas.

3. Piezoelectric Sensors: These sensors are commonly used in various devices such
as touchscreens, accelerometers in smartphones, and pressure sensors in
appliances like washing machines.

4. Microphones: Piezoelectric materials are used in some types of microphones to

convert sound waves into electrical signals.

5. Quartz Watches: Quartz crystals are employed in quartz watches to generate a

precise frequency for timekeeping. The crystal oscillates due to the piezoelectric
effect.

6. Inkjet Printers: Some inkjet printers use piezoelectric crystals to precisely

control the ejection of ink droplets onto the paper.

These examples demonstrate the wide-ranging applications of the piezoelectric effect in

our daily lives, from medical devices to consumer electronics and beyond.

6
Piezoelectric effect used in gas lighter

Piezoelectric effect in Ultrasound imaging

7
 3.2. MY APPLICATION OF PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT

During last year's BOSEPO competition, my colleague and I introduced our project
"Roofree," centered around harnessing renewable energy from rain using the piezoelectric
effect. We strategically placed piezoelectric sensors on rooftops to convert rain's
mechanical energy into electricity. Our innovative approach not only demonstrated the
feasibility of sustainable energy solutions but also highlighted the importance of eco-
conscious engineering practices.

This is the abstract of our project

„The main goal of the "ROOFREE" project is to install piezo sensors on the roofs of
buildings, which will produce a renewable type of electricity. Piezo sensors are designed
to convert the pressure exerted by raindrops, snow or ice into electrical energy. The key
advantage of the "ROOFREE" project is the reliance on rain as a renewable energy source.
By using raindrops, we can reduce the use of traditional electrical sources and help
preserve nature. Another advantage of this project is that the piezo sensors only need to be
installed on already made roofs and there is no need to create an additional surface. This
means that implementing our project, in addition to being useful and efficient, is also cheap
and affordable. We proved that this project works with the help of improvised rain. The
rain was falling on our model house and this lit the led light which was connected in series
with 5 piezo sensors. We hope that with our method of electricity production, we will reduce
the percentage of using other, more harmful methods.“

In the images on following page, you can see a model house from our project,
featuring 5 serially connected piezoelectric tiles. We've covered them with nylon to allow
rain to fall, as the piezoelectric tiles themselves are not waterproof.

8
Before diving into the details, let's reflect on the impact of our completed "ROOFREE"
project:

1. Promoting renewable energy: Our project harnessed raindrops to generate

electricity using simple rooftop sensors. By championing renewable energy sources like
rain, we contributed to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

2. Sustainable power source: With a focus on rain as a reliable renewable energy

source, our project offered an eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources. This
approach aimed to reduce reliance on finite resources and minimize environmental harm.

3. Reducing electricity bills: Through the conversion of raindrops into electricity

using affordable sensors, our project provided a practical solution for lowering electricity
bills. This initiative benefited homeowners and building owners by offering long-term
savings and promoting environmental stewardship.

9
 4. Fostering eco-conscious living: "ROOFREE" embodied a commitment to eco-
conscious living by encouraging a stronger connection with nature and advocating for
sustainable energy practices. Through our project, we aimed to inspire individuals and
communities to embrace greener lifestyles and contribute to environmental conservation.

5. Showcasing innovation and ingenuity: Our project exemplified the power of

innovation and resourcefulness in addressing environmental challenges. By demonstrating
the effectiveness of simple yet innovative solutions, we empowered others to explore
sustainable alternatives and drive positive change.

In essence, "ROOFREE" represented a comprehensive approach to sustainability,

emphasizing the importance of renewable energy, cost-saving measures, eco-conscious
living, and innovative problem-solving in creating a more sustainable world.

This is the conclusion we have reached

We came to a conclusion that the rain drops can be used as the energy harvester because
output voltage can be obtained when the force of the rain drop hit to the piezoelectric
sensor. It is proved that mechanical energy is obtained which can be converted into
the electrical energy. Detailed experimental results with distinct features are presented
highlighting the log growth and exponential decay of the harvesting process of a droplet
impact. It has been shown that the droplet impact stage has a significant contribution to
the overall power output of the device. The piezoelectric sensor reading is evolving and
not only according to the height of floors, even by heavy rain the water mass. This
energy can use to power up the home device like Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp
and fan.For the conclusion, the rain drops can be used as the energy harvester because
output voltage can be obtained when the force of the rain drop hit to the piezoelectric
sensor.

This project has been successful, and we have received recognition at both national
and international levels.

10
 3.3. CONVERTER

Piezoelectric converters are devices that transform mechanical movements into

electrical signals or create movements that trigger electric fields. Electroacoustic tools with
piezoelectric polymers use side-to-side effects, while inverters use bending vibrations of
polymer bimorphs or unimorphs powered by external electric fields. These principles are
used in devices like microphones, headphones, and tweeters. Present research is focusing
on making electroacoustic tools with special functions, such as noise-canceling phones and
wide-range systems, using piezoelectric polymers' qualities.

Underwater acoustic converters made of piezoelectric polymers start with military

uses like big sensor areas and underwater surveillance systems. Later, they expand to
geophysical detection and sound wave testing tools. Various prototypes use different
piezoelectric polymer materials, like sheets, plates, and wires, taking advantage of their
flexibility, lightness, and ability to match water's sound properties. This allows
hydrophones made of piezoelectric polymers to sense sound without disrupting it, boosting
their effectiveness in ultrasound imaging and other medical sensor tasks.

3.4. PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR

Piezoelectric actuators use the inverse piezoelectric effect to convert electricity into
mechanical energy or mechanical motion. Polymer actuators are mainly based on polymer
bimorphs, including the use of lateral effect and longitudinal effect, and application of
polymer bimorph-based actuators. The research includes the management of display
devices, a system for generating micro displacements, etc. In order for these creative ideas
to be practically applied, a lot of research is needed. P (VDF-TrFE) electron-beam-
irradiated copolymer makes the material capable of generating large stretch stresses, thus
creating favorable conditions for the development of new polymer actuators. Fueled by the
prospects of potential defensive applications, the use of irradiated modified copolymers to
prepare hydroacoustic emission devices from polymer materials is systematically carried
out with strong support from the U.S. military. In addition, the use of the excellent

11
properties of radiated modified copolymer to research and develop its application in the
fields of medical ultrasound, vibration and noise reduction requires a lot of research.

3.5. PIEZOELECTRIC PRESSURE SENSOR

The piezoelectric pressure sensor is made using the piezoelectric effect of

piezoelectric material. The basic structure of the piezoelectric pressure sensor is shown to
the right. Since the amount of electric charge of the piezoelectric material is constant,
special attention should be paid to avoid electricity leakage when connecting.

The advantages of piezoelectric pressure sensors are their own signal, large output
signal, high-frequency response, small size and solid structure. The disadvantage is that it
can only be used to measure kinetic energy. Special cables are needed, and self-recovery is
slower if exposed to sudden vibration or excessive pressure.1

In addition to the above uses, piezoelectric materials have other fairly wide
applications. Such as frequency discriminators, piezoelectric oscillators, transformers,
filters, etc.

1
https://ba.pztpiezo.com/info/the-principle-and-application-of-piezoelectric-60185395.html

12
4. CONCLUSION

One hundred and eighty years after his discovery, the piezoelectric effect has become
one of the foundations of modern technology. The phenomenon quickly received a precise
theoretical explanation with the works of Kelvin and Voight, which were later
supplemented, but practical applications followed only in the war conditions of 1917. But
with enormous technological importance, experimental research into the piezoelectric
effect has made great progress in understanding solid state physics. The theoretical model
is so developed that it is possible to construct completely new materials with the desired
properties very cheaply, so the technology no longer depends on materials available from
nature.

In the future, even greater progress can be expected in this field, especially in the
development of new piezoelectric materials and new, imaginative applications of this
effect, in a similar manner as our, already mentioned project „ROOFREE“

13
LITERATURE

1. Arnau, A., & Soares, D. (2009). Fundamentals of piezoelectricity. In Piezoelectric

transducers and applications (pp. 1-38). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin
Heidelberg.

2. Bassani, F., Liedl, G. L., & Wyder, P. (2005). Encyclopedia of condensed matter
physics.

3. Đurđević, V. (2023). Piezoelektrični efekt, Završni rad, Sveučilište Josipa Jurja

Strossmayera u Osijeku.

4. Katzir, S. (2006). The beginnings of piezoelectricity: a study in mundane physics

(Vol. 246). Dordrecht, The Netherlands:: Springer.

5. Shuvalov, L. A. (1988). Modern Cristallogrphy IV: Physical Properties of

Crystals, Berlin, Heidelber : Springer.

6. Tichý, J., Erhart, J., Kittinger, E., & Privratska, J. (2010). Fundamentals of
piezoelectric sensorics: mechanical, dielectric, and thermodynamical properties
of piezoelectric materials. Springer Science & Business Media.

7. Yang, J. (2005). An introduction to the theory of piezoelectricity (Vol. 9, pp. 31-

58). New York: Springer.

8. https://ba.pztpiezo.com/info/the-principle-and-application-of-piezoelectric-
60185395.html

14
Commission consisting of:

1. _______________________ , mentor
2. _______________________ , member
3. _______________________ , member

Graded this graduation paper with the grade:

_______________________ ( )

Explanation of the grade for the graduation paper:

Questions for the defense of the graduation paper:

1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________

Grade:_____________________ ( )

Bihać, _____________________ Year 2024

15