Processing, microstructure and electromechanical properties of Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 fibers obtained by thermoplastic co-extrusion

Using a torque-rheometer, ceramic-polymer extrudable mixtures were prepared to produce lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fibers through a co-extrusion process. A 7.7 mm diameter PZT-polymer rod was coupled with a 24 mm diameter carbon black-polymer shaped cylinder. This so called preform composite was extruded through a 1 mm die. By this method, 300 mum PZT fiber structures were successfully achieved. The microstructure and the electromechanical properties of these co-extruded sintered fibers were investigated and compared to 300 mum diameter fibers produced by simple thermoplastic extrusion. Although the co-extruded fibers showed similar microstructure properties and only a slightly higher porosity than the extruded ones, the electromechanical performance was noticeably inferior.