Lead zirconate titanate films on metallic substrates by electrophoretic deposition

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of submicrometer lead zirconate titanate (PZT) particles was conducted to form thick PZT films (up to 80 μm thickness) on different metallic substrates, including stainless steel plates, individual fibres, fibre mats and nichrome wires. Non-aqueous colloidal suspensions suitable for EPD were prepared by mixing ultrasonically 0.5 g of PZT particles in 50 ml acetylacetone with controlled addition of iodine. The effect of EPD process parameters such as deposition voltage, deposition time and suspension composition, on the specific deposited weight of PZT was investigated. The EPD parameters were optimised in order to obtain crack-free, high-quality uniform ceramic films. The PZT coated fibres are intended as reinforcing elements for the fabrication of piezoelectric composites, smart materials, sensors as well as for production of hollow PZT fibres.