PZT nanocomposites reinforced by small amount of oxides

Abstract

Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 (PZT) nanocomposites were prepared from high purity PZT powder and small amount (0·1–1·0 vol%) of oxides, i.e. Al 2O 3, MgO and ZrO 2. Effects of the additives on mechanical and piezoelectric properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The fracture strength and hardness of PZT nanocomposites with 0·5 vol% Al 2O 3 or 0·1 vol% MgO additives were significantly improved. The reduced grain size of the nanocomposites is considered to be responsible for the excellent mechanical properties. Though the dielectric constants of the composites were decreased with an addition of Al 2O 3 or MgO, the planar electromechanical coupling factor, K p , of MgO-added composites was higher than that of Al 2O 3-added. As a consequence, the PZT/0·1 vol% MgO nanocomposite showed good mechanical and suitable piezoelectric properties. Addition of ZrO 2 had little effect on mechanical and electrical properties of the composites.