Investigation on optimal poling condition of PNN-PZT/Epoxy paint sensor and its sensitivity improvement

This paper investigates optimal poling condition for PNN-PZT (Pb(Nb, Ni)O₃-Pb(Zr, Ti)O₃)/Epoxy paint sensor, and how to improve the piezoelectric performance of the PNN-PZT powder used in the paint sensor. Piezoelectric paint sensor can be easily spread on the curved or complex shaped structures, and can detect impact or vibration signal occurring on the structure thanks to piezoelectric powder´s inherent electromechanical properties. In order to enhance the sensitivity of the paint sensor, piezoelectric properties of the piezoelectric powder should be improved. For this, we have changed sintering temperatures: 1,000, 1,100 and 1,250 degree Celsius. Finally, optimal poling conditions were obtained from several experiments to maximize piezoelectric sensitivity of paint sensors made by sintered ceramic powders at each temperature.