Method for improving the long-term stability of a piezoelectric actuator and a piezoelectric actuator

摘要

A method is described for improving the long-term stability of a piezoelectric actuator encased in a potting compound containing or forming hydrogen atoms. Oxygen is contained in the piezoelectric actuator's piezoelectric ceramic. Appropriate means are employed so that unsaturated bonds of the hydrogen in the potting compound will release less oxygen from the piezoelectric ceramic. One means consists in reducing the concentration of hydrogen in the potting compound, with appropriate thermal processes as a result of which the concentration of hydrogen will be reduced to below a predefined threshold being applied after the piezoelectric actuator has been encased in the potting compound. Means that form bonds with the hydrogen in the potting compound or duct oxygen thereto are provided in further embodiments.