Fabrication and evaluation of PZT/Pt piezoelectric composites and functionally graded actuators

The PZT/Pt composites with various compositions were fabricated by using powder processing, and their mechanical, dielectric, piezoelectric and elastic properties were evaluated with the purpose to develop piezoelectric actuators with functionally graded microstructure (FGM). The piezoelectric and dielectric constants of the PZT/Pt composites decreased monotonously with increasing Pt content, whereas the addition of the Pt particles greatly improved the mechanical properties, particularly the fracture toughness in the composites. Miniature bimorph-type FGM actuators that consist of a composite internal-electrode (70 vol.%PZT/30 vol.%Pt) and three piezoelectric layers (100 vol.%PZT to 80 vol.%PZT/20 vol.%Pt) were fabricated by powder stacking and normal sintering techniques. The electrically-induced deflection characteristics of such an FGM actuator were measured with electric strain gages mounted on the top and bottom surfaces of the actuators, and the measured data were consistent with the analytical results given by the modified classical lamination theory model (CLT).