Preparation and Properties of Lead Zirconate-Titanate Piezoelectric Ceramics Using Ultrafine Particles

Ultraflne particles the order of 0.1-µm have been obtained in the system PbTiO3-PbZrO3-Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3 by a ball-milling method using zirconia balls of 0.3 mm in diameter. This paper describes the electrical and mechanical properties of these modified PZT ceramics using ultrafine particles. The effect of smaller zirconia balls on grinding is clearly demonstrated. Smaller grain size in the sintered bodies of these modified PZT ceramics gives higher flexural strength. However, the maximum electrical properties have been obtained at a grain size of about 2 µm.