Sintering behavior, mechanical and electrical properties of lead zirconate titanate/NiO composites from coated powders

High strength NiO-dispersed lead zirconate titanate (PZT) composites are successfully fabricated from NiO nanoparticle-coated PZT powders. Addition of NiO to a PZT matrix does not result in unexpected reaction phase, and some NiO is dissolved in PZT lattice. Microstructural observations reveal that fine NiO particles are homogeneously dispersed at the matrix boundaries and the matrix grain size is refined. Fracture strength of PZT/7.4 vol.% NiO composite is 1.9 times higher than that of monolithic PZT, and fracture toughness (KIC) increases to 1.87 MPa m1/2. The electrical properties of PZT/NiO composites increase or are not degraded dramatically with improving mechanical properties.