Alternative model of a 1–1–3 composite, its piezoelectric properties and figures of merit

A model of a novel 1–3-type composite containing two ferroelectric components is put forward. In this composite, ferroelectric single crystal (SC) rods and ferroelectric ceramic rods are distributed in a polymer matrix. For a lead-free 1–1–3 composite based on domain-engineered [Li x (K[Formula: see text]Na y )[Formula: see text]](Nb[Formula: see text]Ta z )O 3 :Mn SC, effective piezoelectric coefficients [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and energy-harvesting figures of merit (FOMs) [Formula: see text] are studied taking an active influence of the ferroelectric components into account. In a new m–[Formula: see text] diagram, regions of volume fractions of SC (m) and ceramic ([Formula: see text]) are determined where FOM [Formula: see text] changes from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] Pa[Formula: see text]. Effective parameters of the 1–1–3 and related 1–0–3 composites are compared, and consistency is shown. The large longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient [Formula: see text] and FOM [Formula: see text] of the lead-free 1–1–3 composite are to be of interest in piezoelectric sensorics and energy harvesting.