Ferroelectric materials are substances that exhibit spontaneous electric polarization, meaning they can maintain an electric charge even when an external electric field is removed. This property arises from the alignment of electric dipoles within the material, which can be switched by applying an external electric field. Common examples of ferroelectric materials include barium titanate and lead zirconate titanate. These materials are widely used in various applications, such as capacitors, sensors, and memory devices. Their ability to switch polarization makes them valuable in electronics, where they can enhance performance and efficiency in devices like non-volatile memory and actuators.