Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of PZT–silica fume cement composites

PZT–silica fume cement (PZT–SFC) composites were produced using PZT (at 50% and 60% by volume) and silica fume cement (cement containing silica fume of 5% and 10% by weight). PZT–Portland cement with no silica fume was also produced to allow comparison of the results. Dielectric constants of PZT–SFC composites are found to be higher than that of PZT–PC composite where εr value was found to increase with increasing SF content (εr values of composite with SF at 0%, 5% and 10% are 117, 125 and 178, respectively). PZT–SFC composites were successfully poled and d33 results of PZT–SFC composites (d33 = 18 pC/N) were found to be marginally higher than that of PZT–PC composite (d33 = 17 pC/N). SEM micrograph also shows a dense matrix of SFC hydration product surrounding the PZT particles. From the results, these PZT–SFC composites are therefore promising materials for use in structural applications and should be ideal for high strength structures where SFC is used in the host structure.