Properties of PZT/SiC composites processed by solid state diffusion

PZT/SiC composites were fabricated by a heterogeneous precipitation followed by a solid state diffusion process. The content of SiC increased with increasing heating temperature of the solid state diffusion process. SEM showed that microstructures of PZT ceramics and composites were similar, and TEM and EDS showed that SiC only located at the grain boundaries. The mechanical properties were improved markedly, and the dielectric breakdown voltage of PZT/SiC composites increases by 80% compared to that of uncomposited PZT ceramics, which can bring a 200% increase in the energy storage density while maintaining the level of dielectric constant, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties. (copyright 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)