Piezoelectric thick-film sensors

Piezoelectric thick-film sensors may be considered an excellent example of the new opportunities offered for sensors (as well as for actuators) by the successful implementation of new sensor-oriented thick-film materials. Research has demonstrated that proper piezoelectric effects can be incorporated in thick films with adequate choice of active grains, bonding agent and processing conditions.Various properties are sharing by piezoelectric thick-film with ceramic materials already extensively used in the current technology of sensors and actuators. In fact both classes of materials are polycrystalline bodies, sintered in appropriate thermal processes and polarised in order to make the piezoelectrically active. However thick film exhibit distinct characteristics of physical behaviour and of technological interest which enable the dvelopment of really new sensors and actuators.