Influence of carbon black and carbon nanotube on mechanical and piezoelectric properties of γ–C2S–PZT composite

Abstract

This paper investigated the influence of carbon black (CB) and carbon nanotube (CNT), used at 0–1%, by volume, on mechanical performance and piezoelectricity of 0–3 γ–C2S–based piezoelectric composite. The γ–C2S–based piezoelectric composite was prepared through carbonation of the proportioned mixture. Parameters d33, g33, and εr were characterized with the CB and CNT additions. The influence of PZT size and volume on these parameters were also studied. Tested results showed that a greater PZT average size and volume significantly improved the d33, g33, and εr values of γ–C2S–based piezoelectric composite given the increased contact among PZT particles. The use of 1.0% CB can lead to 50% and 265% enhancements in d33 and εr, respectively. Such improvements in d33 and εr values were 50% and 190%, respectively, with the addition of 0.3% CNT. This is attributed to the enhanced conductivity of γ–C2S–based piezoelectric composite, which can promote the poling of PZT particles. Moreover, the compressive strength of γ–C2S–based piezoelectric composite were improved by 12 and 3 MPa with the use of CB and CNT, respectively. In addition, the γ–C2S–based piezoelectric composite had 2–6 folds greater d33 and εr values given the similar CB and CNT contents relative to those of cementitious piezoelectric composite. Therefore, the use of CB and CNT can advance the development of γ–C2S–based piezoelectric composite with enhanced mechanical performance and piezoelectricity.