PZT nanocomposites reinforced by small amount of oxides

Pb(Zi,Ti)O-3 (PZT) nanocomposites were prepared from high purity PZT powder and small amount (0.1-1.0 vol%) of oxides, i.e. Al2O3, MgO and ZrO2. Effec ts of the additives on mechanical and piezoelectric properties of the nanoc omposites were investigated. The fracture strength and hardness of PZT nano composites with 0.5 vol% Al2O3 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 Al2O3 or Mg O, the planar electromechanical coupling factor, K-p, of MgO- added composi tes was higher than that of Al2O3-added. As a consequence, the PZT/0.1 vol% MgO nanocomposite showed good mechanical and suitable piezoelectric proper ties. Addition of ZrO2 had little effect on mechanical and electrical prope rties of the composites. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights rese rved.