Mechanical and electrical properties change for PZT by an addition of small amount of oxides

Small amount (less than 1.0 vol%) of Al2O3 or MgO added lead zirconate tita nate, Pb(Zr,Ti) O-3 (PZT), ceramics were prepared by conventional processin g routes. Two different kinds of starting PZT powder were used., i.e., one was pure Ph (Zr0.52Ti0.48) O-3 and the other was hard-type Ph (Zr0.50Ti0.50 ) O-3 The effects of added second phases on the microstructure and properti es for the PZT were investigated. The addition of a small amount of oxides strongly affected the microstructure, and significantly improved the mechan ical properties of the PZT. The effect of starting PZT powders on the piezo electric properties of the PZT was also investigated, It would be considere d that the difference in solid-solution state of Al+3 or Mg+2 ions onto the PZT crystal structure is very critical for the piezoelectric properties of the composites. High strength (140 MPa) and good electromechanical couplin g factor K-p (60%) were both achieved in the hard PZT added with MgO.