Fabrication of Grain-Oriented PZT Ceramics from a Hydrothermally Synthesized Powder

Abstract

The grain-oriented PZT ceramics were fabricated by tape-casting method using powders synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction, and the piezoelectric properties of ceramics were measured. Cyclohexanone was the most suitable solvent from the view point of dispersion of PZT powder in a slurry, and the addition of 100mg/g-PZT of an acrylic binder was necessary for disperson and strength of the tape before sintering. It was possible to fabricate green tapes in which PZT grains having a cubic shape were oriented along a- or c-axis. However, the degree of grain-orientation decreased considerably by sintering. The electromechanical coupling factor (k₃₁) and piezoelectric constant (-d₃₁) of the grain-oriented PZT ceramics were about 10% higher than those of ceramics fabricated by an ordinary procedure using a hydrothermally synthesized powder.