Abstract
The effect of silver-based metal electroplate on the fatigue properties of PZT ceramics was examined. The electroplate was created on the surface of the PZT by the firing process at approximately 973K for a certain period of time. Due to the high temperature for the firing, the silver metal was infiltrated into the PZT about 100μm in depth. The occurrence of the penetration led to the reduction in mechanical strengths of the ceramics, e.g., hardness and bending strength. The fracture mechanism was also attributed to the penetrated silver metal, e.g., transgranular based fracture occurred in the infiltrated region; while intergranular in the other areas.
