WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED FROM LEAD-FREE PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIALS?

The reasons for the lower piezoelectric properties in the most studied lead-free piezoelectrics, modified (K, Na)NbO 3 and ( Bi 0.5 Na 0.5 ) TiO 3 , are discussed. Contributions from domain wall motion and properties at the morphotropic phase boundary are considered and are compared to those in PZT. Lead-free, non-piezoelectric solutions to electromechanical coupling are discussed.