Magnetoelectric effect in hybrid composite material

Purpose Investigations over new types of materials as a potential power source for different types of devices were raised dramatically in the last few years. It is connected especially with global needs and that most of the devices in our world need electricity to work. In this paper, an investigation on magnetoelectric effect in the magnetostrictive-piezoelectric composite material is presented. Design/methodology/approach An author's research setup for investigation of magnetoelectric effect in the developed novel material was prepared. The new composite material was made of magnetostrictive particles of Terfenol-D and lead zirconium titanate (PZT) material. Findings Obtained results show that changes in an electric voltage output from the prepared material are highly dependent on the changes in external magnetic field. It was found out that rate of changes of magnetic field around composite material is one of the most important factors which has influence on the magnetoelectric effect. Taking into account the obtained results, it was proven that prepared hybrid material shows magnetoelectric effect in the case of work in alternating magnetic field. Originality/value This phenomenon might be used in a field of energy harvesting as potential power source for devices with low power consumption. Moreover, this new material gives an opportunity to be used as an additional gauge for determination of deformation or crack propagation in the samples during fatigue tests.