Manufacturing of PZT-Nickel functionally graded piezoelectric ceramics

Author(s)

Rubio, Wilfredo M. ; Silva, Emilio C. N. ; Buiochi, Flavio ; Linde, BBJ ; Paczkowski, J ; Ponikwicki, N

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON ULTRASONICS (GDANSK 2011); v. 1433, p. 4-pg., 2012-01-01.

Abstract

A recent approach for designing and manufacturing piezoelectric ceramics consists of using the functionally graded materials (FGM) concept. In this work, nickel (Ni) is used to generate a new PZT-Ni graded ceramic and its dynamic behavior is experimentally explored. The PZT-Ni graded ceramic is manufactured by using the technique of Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). The ceramic is graded from the top to the bottom surface (along 6 mm of thickness). Specifically, five layers of green powders are sintered: 100 wt% PZT-5A, 90 wt% PZT-5A and 10 wt% Ni, 80 wt% PZT-5A and 20 wt% Ni, 70 wt% PZT-5A and 30 wt% Ni, 60 wt% PZT-5A and 40 wt% Ni. Thus, Ni is used as a second phase, which is added to a PZT-5A matrix, changing its concentration. No manufacturing defects or cracks or exfoliated layers are observed. However, graphite diffusion is observed from the graphite die into the graded ceramic, which does not affect its performance; hence, the ceramic contains enough piezoelectric properties, which allows its polarization and dynamic characterization by determining the impedance curve of the PZT-Ni graded ceramic. The PZT-Ni graded ceramic vibrates at 1.04 MHz, 1.55 MHz and 2.07 MHz. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/01762-5 - Design of piezoelectric transducers and MEMS based on functionally graded material concepts and topological optimization
• Grantee: Wilfredo Montealegre Rubio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate