Effect of graphite on poling time and electrical properties of barium zirconate titanate-Portland cement composites

ABSTRACT

The 0–3 connectivity piezoelectric ceramic-cement composites of barium zirconate titanate (BaZr_0.05Ti_0.95O₃, BZT) and Portland cement were developed for smart concrete structure applications. In this study, graphite powder was added at 0–2.0% by volume into the composites in order to improve the poling process of 0–3 connectivity cement-based piezoelectric composites. Microstructure, dielectric properties (Ɛ_r), piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃), and conductivity were studied. The results indicated that the highest piezoelectric coefficient of 30.76 pC/N was found at 0.5% by volume of graphite content. Moreover, total poling time was reduced when graphite was added.

KEYWORDS:

• Piezoelectric properties
• dielectric properties
• graphite
• barium zirconate titanate

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to members of staff at the Advanced Cement-based Materials Laboratory, Laser and Optics Research Laboratory, Electroceramics Research Laboratory and Chiang Mai University for using research facilities which made the research successful.

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) for the supports of Research Career Development Grant (Research Scholar Award; RSA5980003). Partial funding (Grant no. IRG5780013) given by the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) is also appreciated.