Synthesis, Structural, Optical and Dielectric Properties of Nanostructured 0-3 PZT/PVDF Composite Films

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Ceramics

Background:

• Lead zirconate titanate (PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3, PZT) is a key material in piezoelectric applications.
• Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a versatile polymer with desirable dielectric properties.
• Developing advanced composite materials with enhanced properties is crucial for technological advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize nanostructured PZT powder using a sol-gel route.
• To fabricate PZT/PVDF composite films with varying PZT concentrations.
• To investigate the structural, optical, thermal, and dielectric properties of the PZT/PVDF composites.

Main Methods:

• Sol-gel synthesis for PZT powder.
• Solvent casting method for PZT/PVDF composite film fabrication.
• X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dielectric measurements.

Main Results:

• Perovskite structure of PZT confirmed, with a morphotropic phase boundary at 800 °C.
• PZT structure remained stable within the PVDF matrix.
• SEM revealed good PZT dispersion and pore formation at high PZT loading.
• Optical band gap decreased with increasing PZT content.
• PZT/PVDF composites showed improved thermal stability and hydrophobicity compared to pure PVDF.
• The composite with 50% PZT loading exhibited the maximum dielectric constant and flexibility.

Conclusions:

• Nanostructured PZT powder can be effectively synthesized and incorporated into PVDF.
• PZT/PVDF composites demonstrate tunable optical, thermal, and dielectric properties.
• The 50% PZT/PVDF composite shows significant potential for applications requiring high dielectric performance and flexibility.