Enhancement of mechanical and dielectric breakdown properties by diffusion of SiC into lead zirconate titanate ceramics

SiC reinforced lead zirconate titanate (PZT) composites were fabricated by diffusion of SiC into PZT ceramics. With an increase in diffusion time of SiC, the mechanical and dielectric breakdown properties increased markedly, while the piezoelectric properties decreased slowly. When diffused at 850 °C for 3 h, the piezoelectric properties of PZT/SiC composites were close to those of the PZT ceramics, while the fracture strength and dielectric breakdown strength increased over 50% compared to the monolithic PZT.