PHB/PZT composite

Abstract

Flexible standing films of piezoelectric composite made of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic powder and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) in powder form were obtained by mixing both polymers mechanically and pressed at 180 /spl deg/C. The piezoelectric coefficient d/sub 33/ were investigated as function of PZT content, poling temperature and electric field. The highest value for d33 coefficient was around 6pC/N for 50 vol% of PZT content in the composite. As PHB is a biodegradable polymer the composite has potential application as sensor minimizing the environmental problems.