Characterisation and properties of fine scale PZT fibres

The availability of fine scale lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fibres has enabled advances in actuator and sensor applications, including devices for structural control such as the active fibre composite (AFC). Since PZT fibres form active elements within a functional device, fibre characterisation and optimisation is essential. Several commercially available fibres have been studied, which are representative of two dominant processing routes currently utilised: extrusion and suspension spinning. Fibres have been characterised in terms of morphology (shape factor and diameter variability), microstructure (grain size and porosity), and phase composition (XRD). Certain fibres were found to exhibit properties unsuitable for AFC applications, which suggests that commercial production of fine scale PZT fibres may not yet be fully optimised.