Tape casting and properties of PZT-PVDF composites

In the design of transducers that have both applications in actuators and sensors، piezoceramic-polymer composites have important key roles. In this research، PZT-PVDF composites with 0-3 connectivity and volume fraction of PZT 0. 15-0. 7 were fabricated by tape casting process. The composites without sedimented ceramic particles were fabricated by increasing the suspension viscosity when an ultrasonic probe was used for dispersing PZT particles. Microstructure and characteristics of samples were studied by SEM، d33 meter and impedance analyzer respectively. SEM studies of composite dried at high drying rate showed homogenous dispersion of PZT particles in PVDF matrix and the microstructure those dried at lower drying rate was associated with texture segregation with ceramic rich areas. Piezoelectric charge coefficient measurements showed that increasing PZT content and the presence of texture segregation resulted in an increase in d33. A maximum for d33 was found at a volume fraction of 0. 7 PZT in the segregated composites. By increasing the volume fraction of PZT، the dielectric constant of the composites were increased. An optimum for piezoelectric voltage coefficient (g33) and a maximum for figure of merit (FOM33) was obtained in volume fractions of ceramic v=0. 55 and v=0. 7 respectively.