Characterisation of high porous PZT piezoelectric ceramics by different techniques

Abstract

Ultimate properties of a porous ceramic is highly process dependent. In this study, prevalent porous ceramics fabrication methods (Freeze casting, Foam reticulation and Burnable Plastic Sphere (BURPS) method) have been compared by fabricating the porous lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based piezoelectric ceramics. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) studies were performed to analyse the pore size and distribution of the ceramics. Hydrostatic co-efficients increased tremendously on incorporation of porosity which led to Hydrostatic Figure of Merit of 7480 in Foam reticulation samples (porosity 86 per cent). The three dimensionally interconnected networks in the freeze casted samples led to lowest acoustic impedance (6 MRayls) despite not having the lowest density.