Fabrication and properties of PZT piezoelectric ceramic tubes with large length-diameter ratio

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic tubes with large length-diameter ratio were fabricated by a viscous plastic processing-extrusion method at different sintering temperatures and holding times. The phase composition, microstructure, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the tubes were investigated by XRD, SEM, precision impedance analyzer and d33 measuring instruments. A typical perovskite phase without other impurities was obtained for the tubes sintered at 1290 °C for 2 h. A homogeneous and compact structure with 2-5 μm grain sizes was also observed. The relative dielectric constant (εr) and dielectric loss (tanδ) of PZT piezoelectric ceramic tubes were 2734 and 0.35, respectively. The longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient (d33) of PZT ceramic tubes was 528 pC N−1.