Characterization of 1-3 piezocomposites from PNN-PZT piezoceramics

Piezocomposite materials combine best properties of components while minimizing their disadvantages to provide desired properties. This study reports on piezocomposites with 1-3 connectivity prepared from 0.5Pb (Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.5Pb(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 (0.5PNN-0.5PZT) fibers and polyurethane matrix. The PNN-PZT powder was synthesized by solid-state reaction method. PNN-PZT green fibers were drawn using the alginate gelation method. Dense sintered fibers with 500-800 mu m diameter were embedded in an ordered arrangement in a polyurethane passive matrix. Structural, electrical and electroacoustic properties of PNN-PZT piezocomposite and bulk ceramic were both reported. Bulk PNN-PZT ceramics were found to have properties that are superior than the commercial soft PZT counterparts. The maximum TVR value was measured as 142.5 dB at 444 kHz for the piezocomposite, corresponding to the thickness mode resonance. The FFVS response with 3 dB variation had an average FFVS value of - 210 dB between 250 and 450 kHz band for the piezocomposite.