Microstructure and mechanical properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) nanocomposites with platinum particles

Fine platinum (Pt) particles-dispersed lead zirconate titanate, Pb(Zr,Ti)O- 3 (PZT) nanocomposites were prepared by an electroless plating method which enabled to obtain a PZT nanocomposites homogeneously dispersed with fine p latinum particles. Platinum particles with the size up to a few tens nanome ter were precipitated on the surface of the PZT matrix. According to transm ission electron microscope (TEM) observations, both the size and dispersion of the platinum particles may depend on the pH value of the aqueous platin um solution during electroless plating. After sintering, the platinum parti cles were found to be homogeneously dispersed in the PZT matrix. Fracture s trength and toughness of the PZT nanocomposites were improved with retainin g their electrical properties. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observati ons revealed that the fracture mode of the PZT/platinum nanocomposites was transgranular, in contrast with the intergranular fracture mode of the mono lithic PZT. This result suggests that the grain boundary structure of the P ZT nanocomposites may be modified by the platinum, leading to improved mech anical properties.