Preparation and characterization of PMN-PT nanocomposite

Abstract

Ferroelectric ceramic-polymer composites are considered as promising materials for applications in sensors, actuators and hydrophones. They are attractive for application as they exhibit high piezoelectric and pyroelectric response, low acoustic impedance matching with water and human skin and their properties can be tailored to various requirements. The advantage of composites over conventional ceramics is that they have better mechanical shock resistance and more durable. Lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT with 35 mol% PT) ceramic powder is fabricated by citrate gel method. The calcinations temperature is optimized by thermal analysis. The formation of the ceramic powder is confirmed by XRD. The microstructural properties have been studied by, SEM and TEM. The particle size calculated from TEM was found to be between 50-55 nm and the homogeneous distribution of the powders was also observed. The composites have been prepared using solvent casting in which the powder is dispersed homogeneously in the polymer matrix. Different composites are made by varying the ceramic to polymer ratio. The structural, microstructural properties of the composite are studied.