Properties of [Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3]x-[Pb(Zr0.48Ti0.52)O3](1-x) Ceramics With Low Sintering Temperature and Their 1-3 Piezocomposites

Abstract

In this paper, dense (x)PZN-(1 - x)PZT ceramics were prepared at sintering temperatures as low as 950 degrees C with PZN ratios of x = 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6. The 0.4PZN-0.6PZT composition was found to crystallize in the perovskite phase at this sintering temperature without the presence of any other secondary phases. Higher electrical and electromechanical properties were obtained from the 0.4PZN-0.6PZT composition compared with the x = 0.5 and x = 0.6 counterparts. Dielectric constant, piezoelectric charge coefficient, electromechanical coupling coefficient, and mechanical quality factor of 0.4PZN-0.6PZT were found to be 2608, 477 pC/N, 64.4, and 65, respectively. While the Curie temperature was 140 degrees C for pure PZN, the Curie temperature was measured as 300 degrees C for x = 0.4 composition. Green PZN-PZT fibers with circular cross section were drawn using alginate gelation method from the 0.4PZN-0.6PZT composition. Dense fibers were obtained after the sintering process, and piezocomposites were prepared with 1-3 connectivity using fibers with an average diameter of 600 mu m. Composites with volume fraction of 20 vol% were investigated for passive acoustic sensor applications. Electrical properties of piezocomposites were found to be scalable and compatible with the electrical properties of the bulk composition. The dielectric constant, piezoelectric charge coefficient, and maximum strain value of the PZN-PZT 1-3 piezocomposite were measured as 345, 165 pC/N, and 0.13%, respectively.