Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS
PZT fibers with different fiber diameter
Cross section of PZT fibers in polymer matrix
At the Fraunhofer IKTS piezoceramic fibers are developed and fabricated based on the polysulfone-process. Therefore the process known from membrane production was modified and adapted to produce dense ceramic fibers. Piezoceramic fibers based on lead zirconate titanate (PZT) with diameters between 200 µm and 1000 µm and a length of 200 mm could be prepared successfully so far.
The fibers can be arranged using automatic alignment equipment and can than be infiltrated with polymers. Piezocomposites prepared by this way can be tailored for adaptronics or ultrasound technology according to custom-needs.
Services offered
- Development and fabrication of ceramic fibers based on the polysulfone-process
- Characterization of dielectric and electromechanical properties of piezoceramic fibers and 1-3 piezocomposites
- Development and fabrication of piezocomposites for adaptronics and ultrasound technique
Technical Equipment
- Fiber preparation: planetary ball mills, agitated ball mills, roller mills, stirrer, fiber spinning machine (pressure controlled, volume controlled)
- Composite preparation: polymer infiltration equipment, lapping and polishing machines, sputter coater, screen-printer with semi-automatic positioning system
- Characterization: rheometer, microscopes, low signal measurements (dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor, electromechanical coupling coefficient), high signal measurements (ferroelectric hysteresis, voltage-deflection-curves, blocking forces, vibration behaviour), scanning laser vibrometer