Mechanical and Electrical Properties Change for PZT by an Addition of Small Amount of Oxides

Abstract

Small amount (less than 1.0vol%) of Al₂O₃ or MgO added lead zirconate titanate, Pb(Zr, Ti)O₃(PZT), ceramics were prepared by conventional processing routes. Two different kinds of starting PZT powder were used., i.e., one was pure Pb(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)O₃ and the other was hard-type Pb(Zr_0.50Ti_0.50)O₃. The effects of added second phases on the microstructure and properties for the PZT were investigated. The addition of a small amount of oxides strongly affected the microstructure, and significantly improved the mechanical properties of the PZT. The effect of starting PZT powders on the piezoelectric properties of the PZT was also investigated. It would be considered 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 (140MPa) and good electromechanical coupling factor K_p (60%) were both achieved in the hard PZT added with MgO.