Investigation on FR(LT)–FR(HT) phase transition and pyroelectric properties of porous Zr-rich lead zirconate titante ceramics

The FR(LT)–FR(HT) phase transition and pyroelectric properties of porous Zr-rich lead zirconate ceramics were investigated. There was a relatively slight change of dielectric constant and a maximum peak of pyroelectric coefficient during FR(LT)–FR(HT) phase transition. The FR(LT)–FR(HT) and FR(HT)–PC phase transition temperature changed slightly with an increase in porosity The dielectric constant and pyroelectric coefficient at FR(LT)–FR(HT) phase transition temperature decreased with increasing porosity. However, the pyroelectric figure of merit (Fv) increased with an increase in porosity due to a further decrease in dielectric constant with increasing porosity. When porosity exceeded 18.7%, the figure of merit of porous PZT ceramics was higher than that of dense PZT ceramics, which demonstrated figure of merit of PZT ceramics can be enhanced by inducing porosity.