Structure and Properties for 28 GHz Microwave Sintered PZT Nanocomposites

Dense $ Pb(Zr, Ti)O_3(PZT)/Al_2O_3$ nanocomposites were prepared by the 28 GHz microwave heating method and conventional electric furnace sintering. Electrical and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The fracture strength of the PZT composites with 0.1vol% $Al_2O_3$ was significantly improved in both sintering methods. Smaller grain size and effective reinforcement of the PZT matrix by the second phase were considered to be responsible for the excellent fracture strength. Planar electromechanical coupling factor Kp of the composites sintered by 28GHz microwave heating was higher than that of the materical prepared by the conventional route. It seemed that the control of the reaction between PZT and $Al_2O_3$ by the microwave rapid sintering resulted in the high piezoelectric properties.