Abstract
Electrostrictors and piezoelectrics are essential for modern technology, but rely on Pb-containing compounds, the toxicity of which pose serious recycling problems. Pb-free actuator materials are therefore much sought after. Recently, the Israeli group described a non-classical electrostrictor (NCES) Zr_0.1 Ce_0.9 O_0.2 (ZCO), which, contrary to other NCES, is competitive with the best commercial materials currently in use. Practical application of ZCO requires completing several tasks, the most important of which are: (i) detailed characterization of the electromechanical properties of CZO and (ii) in the absence of a general thermodynamic description for all NCES, developing a thermodynamic description of the mechanical and electrical properties of ZCO within the range of experimentally accessible values. Accomplishing (i) and (ii) would pave the way to the major project objective: demonstrating the superiority of ZCO-based ceramics for electromechanical actuation. We will use a combined experimental/ theoretical approach, capitalizing on the highly complementary expertise of the applicants. The Czech group is uniquely capable in developing thermodynamic descriptions of electro-mechanical coupling in complex systems, as well as in interferometry at cryogenic temperatures. The Israeli group is experienced in preparation and characterization of NCES. Our project should deepen our scientific understanding of NCES as well as produce a non-toxic marketable ZCO actuator.