Effect of ZnO whisker content on sinterability and fracture behaviour of PZT peizoelectric composites

Effect of sintering temperature and time on densification, microstructure and properties of the PZT/ZnO nanowhisker piezoelectric composites

“…1(d). It can be clearly observed that ZnO w in the size of ∼2 m is located at the matrix grain boundaries and some debonding interfaces between whisker and matrix are present, which is also reported previously [75]. On the other hand, in our previous studies [74][75][76][77], we have observed ZnO diffraction peaks in the XRD patterns of the PZT/ZnO w composites, even the content of ZnO w is as low as 1 wt.%.…”

“…It can be clearly observed that ZnO w in the size of ∼2 m is located at the matrix grain boundaries and some debonding interfaces between whisker and matrix are present, which is also reported previously [75]. On the other hand, in our previous studies [74][75][76][77], we have observed ZnO diffraction peaks in the XRD patterns of the PZT/ZnO w composites, even the content of ZnO w is as low as 1 wt.%. It confirms that there is no serious chemical reaction occurring between PZT and ZnO w in the composites and also no significant interface diffusion happens, though there could be some Zn 2+ ions diffused into the PZT crystal structure and affected the electrical properties [76].…”

“…Fig. 1(c) shows the SEM micrograph of polished surface for the sample sintered at 1150 • C for 2 h. The dark phases are ZnO w , which are homogeneously dispersed in the gray phases PZT [74,75]. The specifically enlarged morphology of ZnO w embedded in the PZT matrix is shown in Fig.…”

“…However, there is limited work on the PZT composites embedded with ZnO w . According to our recent studies [74][75][76][77], the incorporation of ZnO w can improve the mechanical properties of PZT-based composites greatly. Compared with the monolithic PZT, the PZT/ZnO w composites with 2 wt.% ZnO w exhibit the optimal mechanical properties and good piezoelectric properties, which are promising candidates for further application [76,77].…”

Dielectric properties of PbTiO3/ZnO ceramic nanocomposites obtained by solid-state reaction method

“…However, problems still exist with the thermal expansion mismatch. Several approaches to improve the mechanical strength of the composites by incorporating polymers, metals, fibers or whiskers have been investigated [6][7][8][9][10].…”