A new method for studying piezoelectric materials

2014 In the preparation of piezoelectric materials, it is generally necessary to apply to an insulating material a high poling electric field. During this operation various processes can take place which can strongly influence the performances of the obtained transducer. Until now experience and know how have been the leading factors for the determination of the poling parameters. This may change due to a new experimental technique which can bring informations on what is happening in the bulk of the material. This technique uses the effect of a pressure wave propagation (PWP) in the sample. In the present paper we will analyze the various processes which can occur while applying an electric field to insulating materials such as ceramics or polymers. We will then describe the basic principles of the PWP method and show how it can lead to crucial informations. A typical experimental set up will be presented and preliminary data obtained on such transducer materials as quartz, polymer or ceramics will be described and discussed. Revue Phys. Appl. 20 (1985) 395-402 JUIN 1985, PAGE