Piezoelectric sensitivity and electromechanical coupling in a novel corundum-containing 3–0-type composite

Abstract A novel 3–0-type composite, that contains ferroelectric (PZT-type) and corundum ceramics, is studied to show features of the piezoelectric response and anisotropy of electromechanical coupling factors. The corundum ceramic is applied as a component with a large elastic stiffness. Almost equal volume fractions of corundum mc and air pores mp are detected at 0.05 < mc < 0.18, and this has no analogies among the studied piezo-active 3–0-type composites. Experimental results on the piezoelectric coefficients , thickness electromechanical coupling factor , planar electromechanical coupling factor , and anisotropy (and ) are interpreted in terms of a model that takes into account features of the composite microgeometry and an interaction between the 3–0 ferroelectric ceramic/corundum and 3–0 ferroelectric ceramic/air regions. The studied 3–0-type composite can be of interest as an active element of piezoelectric transducers, sensors, and other piezotechnical devices.