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Relation between chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties of Nb2O5-modified 95 mol % PbZrO3-5 mol % PbTiO3

Journal Article · · J. Am. Ceram. Soc.; (United States)

The use of an Nb2O5-modified PZT (containing approx. =95 mol% zirconate and approx. =5 mol % titanate) in explosively driven electrical power supplies is described. A small but significant number of test specimens exhibit dielectric breakdown during explosive testing. A failure mechanism is proposed in which the electromechanically induced stresses result in fracture. Charged particles released during the fracture process initiate dielectric failure. The fracture toughness and mechanical strength of a given material are about the same for unpoled and poled material, but after pressure depoling, a given material typically exhibits a nominal 50% increase in toughness and strength. Varying the lead concentration from approx. =5 at. % deficiency to approx. =2 at. % excess results in a degradation in toughness and strength. An optimum niobium concentration is observed at approx. =1.8 at. % in terms of mechanical properties and functional performance.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico
OSTI ID:
6197279
Journal Information:
J. Am. Ceram. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Am. Ceram. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 68:10; ISSN JACTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English