Effect of Mo Content on the Structural, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of New Zr-Nb-Mo Alloys Obtained by Combining Powder Metallurgy and Vacuum Arc Melting Methods.

Considering the high demand for innovative solutions in medicine, a major increase in interest in biomaterials research has been noticed, with the most significant advancements in metals and their alloys. Titanium-based alloys are one of the most recognised in the scientific community but do not represent the only way to achieve optimal results. Zirconium alloys for medical applications are a novelty with significant research potential based on their outstanding properties, which may be of value for medicine. The aim of the present study was to obtain new biomedical Zr-Nb-Mo alloys with varying ratios of their respective elements-Zr and Mo-using combined powder metallurgy (PM) and arc melting (VAM) methods. The obtained samples underwent microstructure analysis using an optical microscope (OM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The study of element distribution was conducted with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), whereas the phase composition was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties were examined with a Micro Combi Tester MCT3, whereas tribological properties were assessed with a TRN Tribometer, and Ringer's solution was used as a lubricant. Additionally, the wear tracks of the studied samples were observed using the SEM. The research results indicated that increased Mo content conduced to microstructure refinement and homogeneity. Furthermore, the higher content of this element contributed to the growth of the HVIT, HIT, and EIT parameters, together with the improvement in the tribological performance of the alloys. XRD analysis revealed that the obtained samples were multiphase, and raising the Mo addition promoted the formation of new phases, including a ternary phase-Zr0.9Nb0.66Mo1.44 (Fd3¯m). The chemical composition study showed uneven distribution of niobium and areas of uneven mutual distribution of zirconium and molybdenum.

Electrophoretic Deposition of Chitosan Coatings on the Porous Titanium Substrate.

Medicine is looking for solutions to help implant patients recover more smoothly. The porous implants promote osteointegration, thereby providing better stabilization. Introducing porosity into metallic implants enhances their biocompatibility and facilitates osteointegration. The introduction of porosity is also associated with a reduction in Young's modulus, which reduces the risk of tissue outgrowth around the implant. However, the risk of chronic inflammation remains a concern, necessitating the development of coatings to mitigate adverse reactions. An interesting biomaterial for such modifications is chitosan, which has antimicrobial, antifungal, and osteointegration properties. In the present work, a porous titanium biomaterial was obtained by powder metallurgy, and electrophoretic deposition of chitosan coatings was used to modify its surface. This study investigated the influence of ethanol content in the deposition solution on the quality of chitosan coatings. The EPD process facilitates the control of coating thickness and morphology, with higher voltages resulting in thicker coatings and increased pore formation. Ethanol concentration in the solution affects coating quality, with higher concentrations leading to cracking and peeling. Optimal coating conditions (30 min/10 V) yield high-quality coatings, demonstrating excellent cell viability and negligible cytotoxicity. The GIXD and ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of deposited chitosan coatings on Ti substrates. The microstructure of the chitosan coatings was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Biological tests showed no cytotoxicity of the obtained materials, which allows for further research and the possibility of their use in medicine. In conclusion, EPD offers a viable method for producing chitosan-based coatings with controlled properties for biomedical applications, ensuring enhanced patient outcomes and implant performance.

Improving the Tribological Properties of WE43 and WE54 Magnesium Alloys by Deep Cryogenic Treatment with Precipitation Hardening in Linear Reciprocating Motion.

This paper presents the results of tribological tests on WE43 and WE54 magnesium alloys with rare earth metals performed in linear reciprocating motion for four different material couples (AISI 316-L steel, silicon nitride-Si3N4, WC tungsten carbide, and zirconium dioxide-ZrO2). Additionally, magnesium alloys were subjected to a complex heat treatment consisting of precipitation hardening combined with a deep cryogenic treatment. The study presents the effect of deep cryogenic treatment combined with precipitation hardening on the tribological properties of WE43 and WE54 alloys. Tribological tests revealed the most advantageous results for the magnesium alloy-AISI 316-L steel friction node. For both alloys tested after heat treatment, a nearly 2-fold reduction in specific wear rate has been achieved. Furthermore, microscopic examinations of the wear track areas and wear products were performed, and the wear mechanisms and types of wear products occurring in linear reciprocating friction were determined. Wear measurements were taken using the 3D profilometric method and compared with the results obtained from calculations performed in accordance with ASTM G133 and ASTM D7755, which were modified to improve the accuracy of the calculation results (the number of measured profiles was increased from four to eight). Appropriately selected calculation methods allow for obtaining reliable tribological test results and enabling the verification of both the most advantageous heat treatment variant and material couple, which results in an increase in the durability of the tested alloys.

Magnetoelectric Properties of Multiferroic Composites Based on BaTiO3 and Nickel-Zinc Ferrite Material.

The purpose of the present study was to learn the morphological, structural, ferroelectric, dielectric, electromechanical, magnetoelectric, and magnetic properties, and DC conductivity of BaTiO3-Ni0.64Zn0.36Fe2O4 (BT-F) multiferroic composites compacted via the free sintering method. The influence of the ferrite content in ceramic composite materials on the functional properties is investigated and discussed. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the presence of two main phases of the composite, with strong reflections originating from BaTiO3 and weak peaks originating from nickel-zinc ferrite. BT-F ceramic composites have been shown to exhibit multiferroism at room temperature. All studied compositions have high permittivity values and low dielectric loss, while the ferroelectric properties of the BT component are maintained at a high level. On the other hand, magnetic properties depend on the amount of the ferrite phase and are the strongest for the composition with 15 wt.% of F (magnetization at RT is 4.12 emu/g). The magnetoelectric coupling between BT and F phases confirmed by the lock-in technique is the largest for 15 wt.% ferrite. In the present work, the process conditions of the free sintering method for obtaining BT-F multiferroic composite with good electrical and magnetic properties (in one material) were optimized. An improved set of multifunctional properties allows the expansion of the possibilities of using multiferroic composites in microelectronics.

The Effect of Changes in the Aging Temperature Combined with Deep Cryogenic Treatment on the Structure, Phase Composition, and Micromechanical Properties of the WE43 Magnesium Alloy.

This paper examines the optimal aging temperature of WE43 alloy that has undergone precipitation hardening in conjunction with deep cryogenic treatment. The microstructure and phase composition were investigated, a microanalysis of the chemical composition was performed, and instrumental indentation tests were performed to determine the parameters of the micro-mechanical properties of the alloy after different heat treatment variants. It has been proven that a decrease in the aging temperature from 250 °C to 225 °C and the introduction of a deep cryogenic treatment lead to favorable changes in the microstructure of the alloy (reduction in grain size, increase in the number, and change in the type of ß-phase precipitates). The changes in the alloy structure achieved by lowering the aging temperature contribute to the improvement of the micromechanical properties of the test material. The most advantageous results were recorded for an alloy subjected to solution treatment and aged at 225 °C for 24 h with deep cryogenic treatment: a 30% increase in hardness, a 10% increase in Young's modulus, an improvement in elastic properties, and increased resistance to deformation of the alloy were shown compared to the initial (as-received) state. Raising the aging temperature to 250 °C leads to a phenomenon known as alloy overaging for both alloys after classical precipitation hardening and after deep cryogenic treatment. The results indicate the significant effectiveness of the proposed heat treatment in improving the service life of the Mg-Y-Nd-Zr (WE43) alloy.

Properties of PBZTS Ferroelectric Ceramics Obtained Using Spark Plasma Sintering.

In this paper, spark plasma sintering was used to obtain and investigate (Pb0.97Ba0.03)(Zr0.98Ti0.02)1-xSnxO3 (PBZTS) ceramic materials for x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08. Crystal structure, microstructure, dielectric and ferroelectric properties, and electrical conductivity tests of a series of samples were carried out. The SPS sintering method ensures favorable dielectric and ferroelectric properties of PBZTS ceramic materials. X-ray studies have shown that the material has a perovskite structure. The samples have a densely packed material structure with properly crystallized grains. The fine-grained microstructure of the PZBZTS material with high grain homogeneity allows the application of higher electric fields. Ceramic samples obtained by the SPS method have higher density values than samples obtained by the classical method (FS). The permittivity at room temperature is in the range of 245-282, while at the phase transition temperature is in the range of 10,259-12,221. At room temperature, dielectric loss factor values range from 0.006 to 0.036. The hysteresis loops of PBZTS ceramics have a shape typical for ferroelectric hard materials, and the remnant polarization values range from 0.32 to 0.39 µC/cm2. The activation energy Ea values of the PBZTS samples result mainly from the presence of oxygen vacancies. The PZT material doped with Ba and Sn and sintered via the SPS method has favorable physical parameters for applications in modern devices such as actuators or pulse capacitors.

Spatially Formed Tenacious Nickel-Supported Bimetallic Catalysts for CO2 Methanation under Conventional and Induction Heating.

The paper introduces spatially stable Ni-supported bimetallic catalysts for CO2 methanation. The catalysts are a combination of sintered nickel mesh or wool fibers and nanometal particles, such as Au, Pd, Re, or Ru. The preparation involves the nickel wool or mesh forming and sintering into a stable shape and then impregnating them with metal nanoparticles generated by a silica matrix digestion method. This procedure can be scaled up for commercial use. The catalyst candidates were analyzed using SEM, XRD, and EDXRF and tested in a fixed-bed flow reactor. The best results were obtained with the Ru/Ni-wool combination, which yields nearly 100% conversion at 248 °C, with the onset of reaction at 186 °C. When we tested this catalyst under inductive heating, the highest conversion was observed already at 194 °C.

Crystallization Kinetics and Structure Evolution during Annealing of Ni-Co-Mn-In Powders Obtained by Mechanical Alloying.

The crystallization kinetics and structure evolution during annealing of the Ni45.5Co4.5Mn36.6In13.4 (at. %) powders produced by mechanical alloying (MA) was investigated. After 70 h and 100 h of MA, the powder consisted of a mixture of amorphous and nanocrystalline body-centered cubic (bcc) phases. We observed the relaxation in the as-received powder. The relaxation temperature (Tre) increases logarithmically with the annealing time. Annealing above 440 °C results in (1) ordering of L21, (2) dissolution of the residual Ni and Mn, (3) tetragonal MnNi phase formation and (4) γ phases precipitation. The activation energies of the B2 → L21 and Mn (α-Mn) → MnNi (P4/mmm) transformations were calculated.

Electrophysical Properties of the Three-Component Multiferroic Ceramic Composites.

Using the free (pressureless) sintering method, multiferroic ceramic composites based on two ferroelectric materials, i.e., BaTiO3 (B) and Pb0.94Sr0.06 (Zr0.46Ti0.54)0.99Cr0.01O3 (P), and magnetic material, i.e., zinc-nickel ferrite (F) were obtained. Three composite compositions (BP-F) were obtained with a constant 90/10 content (ferroelectric/magnetic) and a variable content of the ferroelectric component (B/P), i.e., 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70. Crystalline structure, microstructural, DC electrical conductivity, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of multiferroic composites were investigated. The concept of a composite consisting of two ferroelectric components ensures the preservation of sufficiently high ferroelectric properties of multiferroic composites sintered by the free sintering method. Research has shown that the percentage of individual ferroelectric components in the composite significantly affects the functional properties and the entire set of physical parameters of the multiferroic BP-F composite. In the case of the dielectric parameters, the best results were obtained for the composition with a more significant amount of BaTiO3; i.e., permittivity is 1265, spontaneous polarization is 7.90 µC/cm2, and remnant polarization is 5.40 µC/cm2. However, the most advantageous set of performance parameters shows the composite composition of 50BP-F.

Influence of the Sintering Method on the Properties of a Multiferroic Ceramic Composite Based on PZT-Type Ferroelectric Material and Ni-Zn Ferrite.

This paper presents the research results of multiferroic ceramic composites obtained with three sintering methods, i.e., free sintering FS (pressureless), hot pressing HP, and spark plasma sintering SPS. The multiferroic composite was obtained by combining a ferroelectric material of the PZT-type (90%) and zinc-nickel ferrite (10%). Research has shown that the combination of a magnetic material and ferroelectric materials maintains the multiferroic good ferroelectric and magnetic properties of the composites for all sintering methods. A sample sintered with the HP hot pressing method exhibits the best parameters. In the HP method, the composite sample has high permittivity, equal to 910 (at room temperature) and 7850 (at the phase transition temperature), residual polarization 2.80 µC/cm2, a coercive field of 0.95 kV/mm, and the magnetization of 5.3 and 4.95 Am2/kg at -268 °C and RT, respectively. Optimal technological process conditions are ensured by the HP method, improving the sinterability of the ceramic sinter which obtains high density and proper material compaction. In the case of the SPS method, the sintering conditions do not allow for homogeneous growth of the ferroelectric and magnetic component grains, increasing the formation of internal pores. On the other hand, in the FS method, high temperatures favor excessive grain growth and an increase in the heterogeneity of their size. In obtaining optimal performance parameters of multiferroic composites and maintaining their stability, hot pressing is the most effective of the presented sintering methods.

Influence of Anodizing Parameters on Tribological Properties and Wettability of Al2O3 Layers Produced on the EN AW-5251 Aluminum Alloy.

The article presents the effect of anodizing parameters of the EN AW-5251 aluminum alloy on the thickness and roughness of Al2O3 layers as well as their wettability and tribological properties in a sliding combination with the T7W material. The input variables were the current density of 1, 2, 3 A/dm2 and the electrolyte temperature of 283, 293, 303 K. The tribological tests were performed on the T-17 tester in reciprocating motion, in conditions of technically dry friction. The tests were carried out on a 15 km road with a constant average slip speed of 0.2 m/s and a constant unit pressure of 1 MPa. The measurement of the wettability of the layers was performed using the sitting drop method, determining the contact angles on the basis of which the surface free energy was calculated. The profilographometric measurements were made. The analysis of the test results showed that the anodizing parameters significantly affect the thickness of the Al2O3 layers. The performed correlation analysis also showed a significant relationship between the roughness parameters and the wettability of the surface of the layers, which affects the ability to create and maintain a sliding film, which in turn translates into sliding resistance and wear of the T7W material. The analysis of friction and wear tests showed that the layer with hydrophobic properties produced at a current density of 1 A/dm2 in an electrolyte at a temperature of 283 K is the most favorable for sliding associations with T7W material.

Investigation of Micromechanical Properties and Tribological Behavior of WE43 Magnesium Alloy after Deep Cryogenic Treatment Combined with Precipitation Hardening.

This study investigated the micromechanical and tribological properties of WE43 alloy (Mg-Y-Nd-Zr) alloy subjected to cryogenic treatment and precipitation hardening. Microindentation tests were carried out in the range of load from 100 to 1000 mN. The introduction of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) was shown to increase hardness and Young's modulus, and reduce the total indentation work. As the load set during the tests increased, a gradual decrease in the measured values was observed, indicating a significant relationship between the indent size and the value of the measured parameters. Cryogenic treatment used in conjunction with precipitation hardening (after solutioning and after aging) reduces the tribological wear of the alloy. Tests have shown an almost twofold reduction in the area of the wear trace and in the volumetric wear of the alloy, as well as a more than twofold reduction in linear wear, with relatively small fluctuations in the coefficient of friction. Abrasion was the main mechanism of wear. Areas where microcutting, adhesion and plastic deformation occurred were also observed. The results indicate the significant effectiveness of the applied heat treatment in improving the service life of the WE43 alloy containing rare earth metals.

Fabrication and Characterization of New Functional Graded Material Based on Ti, Ta, and Zr by Powder Metallurgy Method.

In view of the aging population and various diseases worldwide, the demand for implants has been rapidly increasing. Despite the efforts of doctors, engineers, and medical companies, the fabrication of and procedures associated with implants have not yet been perfected. Therefore, a high percentage of premature implantations has been observed. The main problem with metal implants is the mechanical mismatch between human bone and the implant material. Zirconium/titanium-based materials with graded porosity and composition were prepared by powder metallurgy. The whole samples are comprised of three zones, with a radial gradient in the phase composition, microstructure, and pore structure. The samples were prepared by a three-step powder metallurgy method. The microstructure and properties were observed to change gradually with the distance from the center of the sample. The x-ray diffraction analysis and microstructure observation confirmed the formation of diffusive connections between the particular areas. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the obtained materials were checked, with respect to the distance from the center of the sample. An analysis of the corrosion properties of the obtained materials was also carried out.

The Sclerometrical, Mechanical, and Wear Behavior of Mg-Y-Nd Magnesium Alloy after Deep Cryogenic Treatment Combined with Heat Treatment.

The paper investigates changes in the structure, microhardness, and sclerometrical and tribological properties of a Mg-Y-Nd alloy under the influence of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) in combination with heat treatment. The solution treatment was carried out at 545 °C for 8 h, aging was carried out at 250 °C for 24 h, and the deep cryogenic treatment applied at different treatment stages was performed at -196 °C. Tests showed a significant increase in the number of ß-phase precipitates identified as Mg46.1Y6.25RE3.45 in the alloy subjected to DCT after solution treatment followed by aging. In addition, an approximately 20% reduction of the grain size was observed. Changes in the structure in the precipitation process strengthened the alloy and resulted in an increase of its hardness. At the same time, sclerometric tests allowed the micromechanism of wear and the coefficient of resistance to abrasive wear to be determined. Tribological tests showed a three-fold reduction in the volumetric wear and a considerable reduction of the friction coefficient, with the main mechanism observed during friction being abrasive wear. The most favorable properties of the alloy were obtained after precipitation hardening combined with DCT, resulting in a large increase in resistance to abrasive wear. Additionally, the formation of deep scratches in the examined material was reduced. The introduction of sub-zero treatment reduces the precipitation hardening time, and the results obtained indicate that the service life of the Mg-Y-Nd alloy can be extended.

Cyclic Oxidation of Titanium Grade 2.

This paper presents the results of research into the cyclic oxidation of titanium Grade 2. The value of titanium Grade 2 oxidation activation energy was determined based on an analysis of the Arrhenius diagram. The result was 205.3 kJ/mol. After cyclic oxidation at a temperature of 600 °C, the presence of oxides in an acicular system was observed on the surface. The specimen surface after oxidation at 650 °C was characterised by the presence of fine oxide particles, while after oxidation at 700 °C, the obtained oxide layer was composed of large oxide particles. The layers obtained after oxidation at 600 °C had the lowest thickness (1.26 and 2.12 µm), while those obtained at 700 °C had the highest thickness (5.17 and 9.45 µm). Examination of the phase composition after cyclic oxidation showed that the oxide layers obtained at temperatures of 600, 650 and 700 °C were composed of TiO2 (rutile) only. No presence of other phases was found. The oxide layers formed in the cyclic oxidation process were characterised by different thicknesses, depending on the oxidation parameters. It was found that cyclic oxidation contributed to a considerable increase in the surface hardness of titanium Grade 2.

Microstructure and Porosity Evolution of the Ti-35Zr Biomedical Alloy Produced by Elemental Powder Metallurgy.

In the present study, the structure and porosity of binary Ti-35Zr (wt.%) alloy were investigated, allowing to consider powder metallurgy as a production method for new metallic materials for potential medical applications. The porous Ti-Zr alloys were obtained by milling, cold isostatic pressing and sintering. The pressure during cold isostatic pressing was a changing parameter and was respectively 250, 500, 750 and 1000 MPa. The X-ray diffraction study revealed only the α phase, which corresponds to the Ti-Zr phase diagram. The microstructure of the Ti-35Zr was observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These observations revealed that the volume fraction of the pores decreased from over 20% to about 7% with increasing pressure during the cold isostatic pressing. The microhardness measurements showed changes from 137 HV0.5 to 225 HV0.5.

Role of Sn as a Process Control Agent on Mechanical Alloying Behavior of Nanocrystalline Titanium Based Powders.

In this study, the effects of Sn as a process control agent (PCA) on the final powder sizes, morphology, homogenization and alloying process of a new titanium alloy were investigated. Two kinds of powders, Ti10Ta8Mo and Ti10Ta8Mo3Sn (wt %), were prepared using a mechanical alloying process. For the Ti10Ta8Mo3Sn (wt %) alloy, the Sn element was used as PCA to enhance the milling process in the planetary ball mill. The milling process of both compositions was carried out with 200 rpm for 10, 15, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 h. The results confirmed that using Sn as a process control agent can result in a relatively good size distribution and better yield performance compared to samples without Sn addition. The phase analysis using X-ray diffraction proved the formation of the α nanocrystalline phase and the partial phase transformation from α to nanocrystalline ß phases of both alloy compositions. The Scaning Electron Micoscope- Backscattered Electrons SEM-BSE results confirmed that the use of Sn as the PCA can provide a better homogenization of samples prepared by at least 60 h of ball milling. Furthermore, the presence of Sn yielded the most uniform, spheroidal and finest particles after the longest milling time.

The Effect of Mixed Doping on the Microstructure and Electrophysical Parameters of the Multicomponent PZT-Type Ceramics.

This work shows the influence of admixture on the basic properties of the multicomponent PbZr1-xTixO3 (PZT)-type ceramics. It presents the results of four compositions of PZT-type material with the general chemical formula, Pb0.99M0.01((Zr0.49Ti0.51)0.95Mn0.021Sb0.016W0.013)0.9975O3, where, in the M position, a donor admixture was introduced, i.e., samarium (Sm3+), gadolinium (Gd3+), dysprosium (Dy3+) or lanthanum (La3+). The compositions of the PZT-type ceramics were obtained through the classic ceramic method, as a result of the synthesis of simple oxides. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern studies showed that the obtained multicomponent PZT materials have a tetragonal structure with a P4mm point group. The microstructure of the obtained compositions is characterized by a well crystallized grain, with clearly visible grain boundaries. The composition with the admixture of lanthanum has the highest uniformity of fine grain microstructure, which positively affects its final dielectric and piezoelectric properties. In the multicomponent PZT-type ceramic, materials utilize the mixed (acceptor and donor) doping of the main compound. This dopiong method has a positive effect on the set of the electrophysical parameters of ceramic materials. Donor dopants W6+ (at positions B) and M3+ = Sm3+, Gd3+, Dy3+, and La3+ (at positions A) increase the dielectric and piezoelectric properties, while the acceptor dopant Sb3+ (at positions B) increases the time and temperature stability of the electrophysical parameters. In addition, the suitable selection of the set of admixtures improved the sinterability of the ceramic samples, as well as resulted in obtaining the required material with good piezoelectric parameters for the poling process. This research confirms that all ceramic compositions have a set of parameters suitable for applications in micromechatronics, for example, as actuators, piezoelectric transducers, and precision microswitches.

Electrophoretic deposition of chitosan coatings on the Ti15Mo biomedical alloy from a citric acid solution.

Chitosan biocoatings were successfully deposited on the Ti15Mo alloy surface via cataphoretic deposition from a solution of 1 g dm-3 of chitosan in 4% (aq) citric acid. The influence of the cataphoretic deposition parameters on quality and morphology of the obtained coatings were investigated using fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. The functional groups' presence in chitosan chine were confirmed by ATR-FTIR methods. X-ray analysis revealed the amorphous structure of the chitosan coatings on the Ti15Mo alloy surface. The conducted studies also include assessing the abrasion resistance and adhesion to the substrate of the obtained chitosan coatings. The results show that utilizing the citric acid as a solvent results in the formation of pore free coatings. The yield of the electrophoretic deposition process was in the range of 2-10 mg of deposited chitosan per 1 cm2. The obtained coatings through the unique properties of chitosan are a promising biomaterial for application in medicine.

Comparison of Electrophysical Properties of PZT-Type Ceramics Obtained by Conventional and Mechanochemical Methods.

In the paper, the multicomponent PZT-type ceramics with Pb(Zr0.49Ti0.51)0.94Mn0.015Sb0.01W0.015Ni0.03O3 composition have been obtained by conventional and mechanochemical methods. With conventional ceramic technology, PZT-type ceramics have been synthesized by the method of calcination powder (850 °C/4 h). Instead of this step, the mechanochemical synthesis process for different milling periods (15 h, 25 h, 50 h, 75 h) has been applied for a second batch of samples. To obtain the dense PZT-type ceramic samples, powders have been sintered by free sintering method at conditions of 1150 °C/2 h. Studies have shown that the perovskite structure of the PZT-type material is formed during mechanochemical activation of powders during the technological process at low temperature. The application of the mechanochemical synthesis to obtain the PZT-type materials also allows shortening of the technological process, and the useful electrophysical properties of ceramic samples are not reduced at the same time. The presented results have confirmed that the investigated materials can be used in microelectronic applications, especially as elements of actuators and piezoelectric transducers.