Mechanical and electrical properties of small amount of oxides reinforced PZT ceramics

Piezoelectric PZT ceramics with small amount (0.1–1.0 wt.%) of oxides (Y2O3, MoO3, WO3) were prepared by conventional sintering method. Small amount of second phase doped PZT ceramic with high fracture strength showed suitable piezoelectric properties for high power and high reliable actuator applications. Especially, the fracture strength of PZT/0.1 wt.% Y2O3 composite was 1.5 times higher than that of monolithic PZT and the piezoelectric properties were also increased. When the second phase addition was up to 1.0 wt.%, the electrical properties were deteriorated due to the refinement of the microstructure of PZT ceramics.