Ferroelectric thick-films for piezoelectric applications

Abstract

Abstract Crystalline lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) powder was combined with amorphous Pb5Ge2SiO11 (PGS) powder to produce a low firing piezoelectric composite material. The amorphous powder acts as a sintering aid, and then crystallizes into an additional ferroelectric phase which contributes to the electrical properties. Piezoelectricity was observed both in thick-films and pellets fired at 850°C, suggesting that this material could potentially be incorporated into low fired multilayer packages as a sensor or actuator.