Load Characteristics of Lead-Free Ceramic Multilayer Actuators Based on Bismuth–Sodium–Titanate

The electromechanical behavior of a lead-free ceramic multilayer actuator is described. The actuator is made of an Nd-doped [Bi0.500Na0.335K0.125Li0.040]TiO3 ceramic with inner electrodes of an Ag/Pd-alloy. For electromechanical characterization, the actuator is under constant mechanical stress, and the strain over the applied electric field is recorded. The mechanical stress ranges from 0.1 to 80 MPa. The maximum applied electric field is 8 kV/mm. Starting with 0.1 MPa mechanical stress, the actuator exhibits a maximum strain of