Abstract
This paper details the production and characterization of PLZT ceramics for piezoelectric applications in the aerospace sector. The PLZT ceramics were successfully synthesized using the mixed-oxide method, employing PbO, La2O3, ZrO2 and TiO2 powders. The preparation of PLZT materials involved wet ball milling, followed by calcination, pressing, and sintering at 1250 °C for 4 hours. The densities, water absorption, and apparent porosities of the ceramics were quantified using the Archimedes method. Comprehensive characterization of the PLZT materials’ structural, microstructural, mechanical, dielectric, and vibrational properties was conducted using XRD, SEM, DUH, HRDA, and LCVA techniques. It was observed that increasing the La content in PLZT resulted in increased weight loss, decreased bulk density, and apparent specific gravity, with a positive correlation to linear shrinkage in diameter. The linear shrinkage in thickness and linear volumetric shrinkage initially increased and subsequently decreased. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of a perovskite phase in PLZT with both rhombohedral and tetragonal symmetry. SEM analysis revealed that the grain size of the PLZT (8/65/35) sample ranged from 1 to 5 μm. DUH studies indicated an increase in hardness and better resistance to deformation and penetration with higher La mole fractions, with elastic moduli of 119.40 GPa, 150.10 GPa, and 85.50 GPa for PLZT samples containing 2%, 8%, and 15% mole La, respectively. The dielectric response analysis showed that samples with 8 mole % La exhibited the highest dielectric constant. Additionally, the study assessed the efficacy of the PLZT material in vibration attenuation and generation, highlighting its potential for energy generation applications.