Ion release from three lead-free piezoelectric ceramics and their physical and cytotoxicity characteristics

Abstract The ions released from the polarized potassium sodium niobate (KNN), lithium-doped potassium sodium niobate (LKNN) and barium titanate (BT) specimens after soaking in a normal saline up to 28 days were monitored. The cytotoxicity of ion released products was evaluated. The cytotoxicity testing on these three lead-free piezoelectric ceramics exhibited low toxicity. However, the decrease of biaxial strength for KNN and the decrease of piezoelectric charge coefficient d 33 for LKNN were noted after soaking in saline solution. Such decreases can be related to the release of ions from the surface of the KNN and LKNN specimens during soaking in saline solution.