Ferroelectrics: The role of ceramic science and engineering

The key role of ceramic process science in the exploitation of ferroelectric ceramics over the last 50 years is reviewed. Focussing on the development of the most important commercial examples, primarily barium titanate-based capacitors and piezoelectric PZT, the importance of phase equilibria, sintering, defect chemistry and microstructure control are examined. The part played by process science in the increasing significance of ferroelectric thin films and the resurgence of grain-oriented materials is also discussed. The case of multiferroic and magnetoelectric materials is presented as a new challenge poses to ceramic scientists.