The loss of piezoelectric properties is called.

• A. Demagnetization
• B. Depolarization
• C. Degradation
• D. Demineralization

Answer: (B)

Piezoelectric materials rely on the alignment of electric dipoles to produce their characteristic response. When these dipoles become disordered or lose their alignment, the material can no longer exhibit the piezoelectric effect as effectively, and that loss of organized polarization is called depolarization. In devices like piezoelectric actuators, depolarization means the material’s ability to convert electrical energy into mechanical vibration (and vice versa) diminishes significantly. Depolarization can occur from overheating beyond the material’s Curie temperature, strong electrical or mechanical shocks, or aging. Once depolarized, re-polarization (poling) under the appropriate electric field and temperature can restore the effect. The other terms don’t fit because demagnetization describes magnets losing magnetism, degradation is a broad wear term, and demineralization refers to mineral loss in teeth or materials, not the loss of piezoelectric properties.