TOUGHENING OF PZT PIEZOELECTRIC CERAMICS BY IN-SITU COMPLEX STRUCTURES

A new approach for toughening PZT piezoelectric ceramics has been deve loped, where some piezoelectric secondary phase tending to form plate- like or columnar structures was incorporated into PZT matrix to genera te the in-situ complex structures and therefore to enhance the fractur e toughness. In (Pb0.92Sr0.08) (Zr0.52Ti0.48) O-3-Bi4Ti3O12 system, th e significantly enhanced fracture toughness of 2.8 MPa.m(1/2) was easi ly achieved, whereas a much lower value of about 1.0 MPa.m(1/2) was me asured for the pure PZT ceramics. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. A ll rights reserved.