Thick films for high-temperature piezoelectric applications - a future reference

The piezoelectric thick film of the active component that works at high temperatures for space and aeronautics has been in significant demand. The thick film has great technological importance as its thickness lies between the thin film and bulk material. The application, such as sensors and actuators, require a thickness that is not less than thin film or not more than bulk to be sufficiently powerful and sensitive. While the thick film is exposed to a temperature higher than room temperature, the piezoelectricity and elastic properties should not be degraded. Thus researchers have been investigating high-temperature thick films for the past decade. This review focuses on the detailed study of high-temperature piezoelectric thick films of lead-based and lead-free based materials and their composites, highlighting fabrication methods. Other important areas, such as substrates for thick film properties achieved and targeted applications, are also discussed. This discussion shows that selecting the high-temperature piezoelectric material, fabrication method, substrates, etc., are essential for fabricating a high-temperature piezoelectric transducer.