CeramTec, the high-performance ceramics specialist, has developed a BNT-BT based piezo ceramic that offers similar performance to conventional PZT piezoceramics for many applications, but with one major advantage: it does not contain lead.
- Innovative: Piezoceramics without Pb
- Sustainable: BNT-BT enables lead-free water networks
- Exciting: CeramTec presents BNT-BT solutions at the Enlit in Milan
Piezoceramics are indispensable for a wide range of applications such as smart metering solutions for water, heat and gas. Here, piezoceramic components are the basis for high-precision, stable and durable ultrasonic flow sensors. In all these applications, piezoceramics convert mechanical excitation such as pressure and acceleration into electrical signals – or vice versa. They then convert electrical signals into mechanical motion or vibrations. Until now, piezoceramics have only been able to do this because of their lead basis – now CeramTec has a lead-free alternative for many piezoceramic applications.
A powerful substitute
The fact that piezoceramics are based on lead zirconate titanate (PZT) was practically taken for granted. The crystalline structure of this material ensures the enormous stability of piezoceramics. After intensive development work, CeramTec has now formulated an alternative with a proprietary blend of next generation of materials: solid solution bismuth sodium titanate-barium titanate (BNT-BT). BNT-BT is suitable for sensor applications in which the material is set to a thickness vibration mode, i.e. the vibration runs along the thickness of the material and perpendicular to the surface.
Ready for use in the energy sector
CeramTec’s BNT-BT formulation is therefore particularly suitable for use in piezoceramic ultrasonic flow sensors for ultrasonic water meters, for measuring domestic or large-scale consumption. In this way, CeramTec contributes to the goal of making water networks completely lead-free.
Other possible applications for BNT-BT include proximity and level measurements in environmental conditions below 130°C or ultrasonic bubble detection systems in medical technology. It is also suitable for use in high-performance stacked transducers.
CeramTec will be showcasing its lead-free piezo ceramic solutions from 22 to 24 October 2024 at Enlit Europe in Milan (Booth 6.A10), the trade fair for the European energy Industry.
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