A study of the effect of process parameter variation upon the characteristics of screen printed piezoelectric materials

A study of the effect of composition and processing of screen printable piezoelectric materials has been undertaken. Printable pastes of various compositions were produced using a commercially available Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) powder mixed with binder and solvents. A range of devices were produced by printing PZT pastes onto alumina (Al2O3) substrates. Devices were fired using variations on common thick film processing techniques and poled under varying conditions. Samples were compared by measurement of piezoelectric charge constant, d33 and using scanning electron microscopy techniques. An optimised method for the measurement of d33 was developed. Results show that formulations may be produced that enhance the final value of d33 whilst promoting mechanical strength. Firing temperature, firing time, poling time and poling temperature are all shown to effect the final value of d33 achieved. (author)