Functionally graded PZT/ZnO piezoelectric composites

A PZT/ZnO/PZT functionally graded materials (FGM) piezoelectric bimorph composite was developed, in which ZnO ceramic was used as an internal electrode and also as a component to modify the distribution of functional gradients. The interdiffusion between the PZT and ZnO layers favors the formation of resistivity and piezoelectric modulus gradients. This paper presents ZnO's Zener effect with low threshold voltage which was advantageous to reduce the voltage drop in the ZnO layer, and therefore enhance the actuation performance of the FGM piezoelectric composite when it was utilized for actuators.