Preparation of PZT discs for use in an acoustic wave sensor

Ferroelectric ceramics based on lead zirconate titanate with Nb and Mn additives, for use in chemical sensing, have been prepared. The perovskite phase was produced by solid phase reaction of oxides/carbonates. Powders were shaped in the form of discs by uniaxial pressing, and sintered in a controlled atmosphere at several temperature and time conditions. The microstructure of the sintered samples was observed in a scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and the grain size and density were shown to be dependent on the ceramic composition. PZT ceramic discs showed strong radial vibration modes in the kHz range, which could be used for chemical sensing applications both in gaseous and liquid media. Sensitivity was found to be strongly dependent on the density of the ceramics.