Enhanced mechanical properties and excellent electrical properties of PZT piezoelectric ceramics modified by YSZ

Lead zirconate titanate ceramics, Pb(ZrxTi1-x)O3 (PZT), as the backbone material of piezoelectric enterprises can be effectively modified by yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) using conventional solid-state sintering technology same as the former PZT ceramics. Experimental results showed that the mechanical strength and fracture toughness of PZT piezoelectric ceramics can be much improved by 43% and 21% respectively. More importantly, the reduction tendency of the major piezoelectric properties can be suppressed substantially. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 of the YSZ-modified PZT ceramic was barely changed and the electromechanical coupling coefficient kp remained high.