The electro-elastic properties of porous piezoelectric ceramics obtain
ed by tape casting have been investigated and related with sample micr
ostructure. The samples obtained by tape casting show very narrow pore
size distribution for all porosities up to 60%. Reproducible properti
es and regular dependence of electro-elastic constants on porosity are
consequently obtained. It was found that some material properties are
improved with respect to dense PZT; in particular, the piezoelectric
voltage constant g(h) and the figure of merit d(h)g(h) increased, whil
e the acoustical impedance decreased by one order of magnitude. These
properties make the material very attractive for applications where go
od sensitivity and good matching with the medium are required. For com
parison a different set of samples have been prepared by mixing the sa
me PZT powder with 40-50% methylethylcellulose powder. Preliminary sin
tering studies on pure PZT powder have been also presented.