Mechanical clamper using shape memory ceramics

The shape memory effect was observed in the composition of Pb_0.99Nb_0.02[(Zr_0.6Sn_0.4) _0.9365Ti_0.0635]_0.98O₃. This effect was due to the phase transition from an antiferroelectric to a ferroelectric phase. To obtain the original antiferroelectric state, a small reverse bias electric field should be applied to the ceramic. A mechanical clamper was trial fabricated as an application of shape memory ceramics. A multilayer shape memory actuator was fabricated by stacking 10 rectangular plates and installed in a hinge level magnification mechanism. The magnification was about seven times