Characterizations of Nb2O5 modified PZT piezoelectric ceramics and feasibility study for acoustic sensor

The aim of this report is to improve piezoelectric properties of Pb(Zr,Ti)O₃ ceramics with a composition Zr/Ti=53/47 prepared by the conventional ceramic technology through a simple, yet effective method by addition of 1 mole% Nb-doped as a donor element. Replacement of Ti⁺⁴ by Nb⁺⁵ in such perovskite type solid solutions was accomplished by the creation of cation vacancies. The dependence of sintering effects on microstructure and ferroelectric characteristics were surveyed. From the analysis results, the PZT bulk ceramic grains distribution were found to be uniform, the sample was found to possess well-piezoelectric properties. Calcined at 850°C/2h and sintered at 1280°C/2h, the PZT ceramics had the minimum value of dielectric loss D=0.0151, mechanical quality factor Q_m=105 and exhibited maximum electromechanical coupling factor k_p=0.65. It was noted that the fundamental resonance frequency was around 200 KHz. Through the analyses of the study, we found an extremely good processing conditions and obtained well-performed piezoelectric properties and piezoelectric response suitable for piezoelectric applications, like resonator, actuator, sensor, filter et al. These in turn can serve as detecting devices with a wide range of was also evaluated. Finally, an acoustic sensor developing for non-destructive application would be our major issue for further investigation.