Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is a ceramic material made of lead (Pb), oxygen (O) and titanium (Ti) or zirconium (Zr).

Chemical formula: Pb [ZrxTi1-x] O3 ; x = 0,52

The atoms are arranged in a cubical structure.

At temperatures below the Curie temperature (depending on the material between 150°C and 200°C) the titanium atom moves from its central position and the electrically neutral lattice becomes a dipole.

This dipole lattice presents now piezoelectric characteristics and is considered as one of the most economical piezoelectric material.