4D Printing of Lead Zirconate Titanate Piezoelectric Composites Transducer Based on Direct Ink Writing

Abstract

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric composites used in transducers were fabricated via direct ink writing (DIW) combined with furnace sintering and resin impregnation. A ceramic slurry with a volume fraction of 52 vol% and suitable viscoelasticity was prepared. After post-process, the PZT ceramic specimens showed a nanoscale grain size with a density of 7.63 g/cm3, accounting for 97.8% of the theoretical density. The effects of different printing rod spacing on the electrical properties of composites were evaluated and lucubrated. Finally, an underwater acoustic transducer was assembled by using the PZT piezoelectric composites fabricated by the above method. The electrical signal generated by the underwater acoustic transducer changed autonomously with the acoustic stimulation, which indicated the application mode of 4D printing in functional devices in the future.

3D Printing of Ceramics with Controllable Green‐Body Configuration Assisted by the Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Based Physical Gels

“…Although only zirconia and alumina were demonstrated in this work, we expected our method can be applied to print functional and responsive materials, such as piezoelectric composites. [55,56]…”

3D/4D printed bio-piezoelectric smart scaffolds for next-generation bone tissue engineering

“…One widely recognized definition of 4D printing today is that the 3D printed objects can self-transform into a predefined shape/property or exert a predefined function when exposed to certain physical, chemical, or biological stimuli [167]. Since then, piezoelectric materials (including polymers, ceramics, and their composites) as a typical smart material have become an exciting branch of 4D printing and are currently attracting enormous interest [168,169].…”

Additive manufacturing of smart polymeric composites: Literature review and future perspectives

“…[32] However, the bio-responsiveness of material is best contemplated by its potential to agree with the microenvironment and stimulating signals to activate cellular reaction, best demonstrated by piezoelectric materials. [261] Piezoelectric materials are intelligent materials that can trigger an electrical response by altering the mechanical deformation, [262] as shown in Figure 18. However, other techniques can accomplish the same objective as electromagnetics and electrostatics, which are surpassed by the piezoelectric materials due to their effective performance and intense sensitivity.…”

“…[ 32 ] However, the bio‐responsiveness of material is best contemplated by its potential to agree with the microenvironment and stimulating signals to activate cellular reaction, best demonstrated by piezoelectric materials. [ 261 ]…”