Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Small Amounts of In_2O_3 Reinforced PZT Ceramics

摘要

Piezoelectric Pb(Zr_xTi_(1-x))O_3 (PZT) ceramics with small amount (0.5-2.0 wt.%) of In_2O_3 were fabricated by the traditional sintering method. Effects of the additives on mechanical and electrical properties of the composites were investigated. The fracture strength and hardness of the PZT composites with In_2O_3 addition were significantly improved. The refinement of microstructure of the composites was considered to be responsible for the high mechanical properties. With the improvement of the mechanical properties, the electrical properties of these PZT/In_2O_3 composites were not degraded dramatically. As a consequence, the PZT/1.0 wt% In_2O_3 composites showed good mechanical and suitable piezoelectric properties for high power ceramic actuators.