Piezo-electricity is the ability of some materials to generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress, and then induce a voltage. In some cases, the potential difference can reach thousands of volts. The electric lighters on gas stoves are a common example. Conversely, when an electric field is applied, stress and strain appear within it. Lead zirconate titanate, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, generally called PZT, is one of the most commonly used materials in this family. Smart Material develops and manufactures composites using this fibre-shaped oxide.