Electro-shape-memory effect in ferroelectric martensite

Compared with the slow response of temperature-driven shape-memory and bulky magnetic-driven shape-memory systems, electric-driven shape-memory has the advantage of “quick and slim actuation”. Electric-driven shape-memory by conventional converse piezoelectric effect is restricted by the small effect. In the present paper we show that by utilizing a defect-mediated reversible domain switching mechanism, it is possible to achieve a large electro-shape-memory effect in ferroelectric martensite system, which is over one order of magnitude larger than conventional converse piezoelectric effect. Direct evidence for the reversible domain switching process is obtained by in situ domain observation. Furthermore, similar effect is also found in ferroelectric polycrystals/ceramics, which shows good stability over a wide frequency range and high reliability against field cycling. The new electro-shape-memory effect may have promising application potential in nonlinear actuators.