Smart structures by integrated piezoelectric thin fibres (I): Preparation,properties and integration of fibres in the system Pb(Zr,Ti)O-3

PZT fibres are promising candidates as sensors and actuators for adaptive c omposite materials. In order to maintain the excellent mechanical propertie s of a composite PZT fibres should have diameters below 50 mu m. A sol-gel process has been developed delivering dense and polycrystalline single PZT fibres for the first time. Fibres of this type can be arranged in well orde red planar arrays, electroded by means of interdigital electrodes and integ rated into glass fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP). The present paper report s on the fabrication and properties of PZT fibres and the technology approa ch of their integration.