Abstract

Ferroelectric materials are nonlinear dielectrics that can exhibit a spontaneous polarization in the absence of an external electric field. Reorientation of the domain-state polarization by an external field is the defining characteristic. An important class of ferroelectrics is that of the perovskites. Modified barium titanate and lead zirconate-lead titanate solid solution-based ceramics are the most extensively used materials for multilayer capacitors and piezoelectric devices, respectively. Relaxor ferroelectrics arising from the lead-magnesium niobates are gaining in usage, and ferroelectric thin films are under development. Ferroelectrics are utilized in various polymer-matrix composite materials in the automotive, imaging, and telecommunications industries.