Today, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based compounds are the most commonly used piezoelectric materials. Because of the toxicity of these compounds, the industry has been working for several years towards replacing lead in electronics with environmental friendly lead-free materials. EU’s restriction of hazardous substances directive of July 1, 2006 has lead to increased awareness and pressure for the development of less hazardous piezoelectric materials.

One of the most promising electroceramic lead-free materials today is K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃(KNN),that on certain areas has already proven to be comparable with PZT. Many researchers world wide are still working on challenges related to this material such as controlling the microstructrue, texture, stochiometry and homogeneity. CerPoTech is also enganged in this type of research, and collaborate amongst others with NTNU.

CerPoTech offers KNN powders of excellent quality with good sintering properties for R&D and commercial applications.

We are also looking for partners that wish to collaborate with us on our work towards replacing lead based piezoelectric materials. We believe it is time to demonstrate that lead-free alternatives with comparable properties do exist.

Examples of lead free piezoelectric materials:

K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃
LiNbO₃
NaNbO₃
KNbO₃
Li_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃
0.95(K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃)O.05 LiNbO₃
(K_0.44 Na_0.52 Li_0.04)(Nb_0.86 Ta_0.10 Sb_0.04)O₃

Material safety data sheets available on request.