googd porojectiezoelectric ceramic components composed of Lead Zirconate Titanates (PZT) have enabled many recent technological innovations in the automobile industry. PZT components from Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC) can be found throughout many state-of-the-art vehicles, enhancing safety, performance, energy-efficiency and comfort.

For example, you will find PZT sensors under the hood detecting engine knocking, PZT transducers in the gas tank measuring the fuel level, PZT actuators operating valves in pneumatically adjustable driver’s seats, PZT ultrasonic transducers on the front, rear, and side of the car as parking sensors, and PZT generators in the wheels harvesting energy that powers tire pressure monitoring systems.



Piezoelectricity is a property of certain classes of crystalline materials including natural crystals of Quartz, Rochelle Salt and Tourmaline as well as manufactured ceramics such as Barium Titanate and Lead Zirconate Titanates (PZT). When mechanical pressure is applied to these materials, the crystalline structure produces a voltage proportional to the pressure. Conversely, when an electric field is applied, the structure changes shape producing dimensional changes in the material.


As a result, piezoelectric materials are used in four functional applications:

* Passive Sensors (converting mechanical force or movement into an electrical signal) such as accelerometers, knock sensors, suspension load sensors, airbag impact sensors and intruder alarms

* Generators (converting mechanical energy into electrical energy) such as spark igniters

* Transducers and active sensors (converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to produce ultrasonic waves, and converting mechanical energy into electrical energy to detect the returning ultrasonic waves) such as fuel level sensors and parking aid reverse sensors