The control of mechanical strength by an electric field in ceramic composites dispersed with piezoelectric particles

Abstract

The control of mechanical strength in structural ceramic composite has been proposed and demonstrated by dispersing piezoelectric particles. The change in strength of barium titanate/zirconia composite on polarization treatment was evaluated, and the mechanism of this phenomenon is discussed based on the previously proposed mechanism for monolithic piezoelectric ceramics. The bending strength of BT/8YSZ composite increased upon longitudinal poling and decreased upon transverse poling compared to the untreated samples. Both the strengthened and weakened specimens tended to return almost to their original strength by heating over the T c of barium titanate. Scanning electron microscopy was then used to examine the crack propagation after the polarization treatment, and cracks going in the poling direction were found to detour around the barium titanate grains, which was attributable to the increase in strength in the poling direction.

Effect of domain wall characteristics on material properties of lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramics

“…It is considered from the above results that retaining the high electrical properties of PZT ceramic, the mechanical properties increase by the reduction in stress concentration. Even though further study would be required, such a different value of hardness may also be attributed to the lattice distortion resulting from the various poling processes 16. 17…”

“…Even though further study would be required, such a different value of hardness may also be attributed to the lattice distortion resulting from the various poling processes. 16,17…”