Fabrication of piezoelectric particle-dispersed ceramic nanocomposite

The goal of this study is to fabricate perovskite type ferroelectric particles-dispersed ceramic nanocomposites though conventional hot-pressing or pulse electric current sintering (PECS). This type of nanocomposite is expected to show ferroelectricity or piezoelectricity with retaining mechanical properties. Magnesia (MgO) and barium titanate (BaTiO3) were selected as a matrix and secondary phase dispersoid. From X-ray diffraction analysis, the BaTiO3 was the phase compatible with the MgO matrix, and there were no reaction phases between the matrix and BaTiO3. It was found that the BaTiO3 enhanced the sinterability of the MgO ceramics. Relative density of pure MgO was lower than 80%, while dense MgO/10 vol% BaTiO3 nanocomposites could be successfully prepared by sintering at 1200 degrees C for 10 min through PECS method. Fine BaTiO3 particles were homogeneously dispersed within the MgO matrix grain as well as at grain boundaries. Sintering behavior and microstr ucture development of the MgO/BaTiO3 nanocomposites were discussed in terms of BaTiO3 content and sintering temperatures. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.