Ferroelectric-dielectric composite pressure sensor

Polar (PBiZT)-non polar (ZrO2) composite shows the ferroelectric nature even in the presence of 40% non-polar ZrO2. This composite also shows the significant change with high pressure which may be used in making of pressure sensing device. [Display omitted] •Significant pressure sensitivity observed in Polar-nonpolar PBiZT-ZrO2 composite.•Nearly 6–7% change in dielectric constant and capacitive reactance is observed under pressure.•Polar-nonpolar composite shows large ferroelectric polarization.•Stress, deformation, and mechanical energy density are obtained using ANSYS simulation.•Microstructure-property relation established using Impedance spectroscopy. The Polar Pb0.6Bi0.27(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PBiZT) - nonpolar ZrO2 composite with average volume ratio 60:40 shows well saturated ferroelectric properties and large pressure sensitivity ˜ 0.11 MPa−1 in the range of 25–200 MPa. Even in the presence of 40% centrosymmetric non-ferroelectric ZrO2, the composite provides large polarization and behaves like normal ferroelectrics. A well-saturated ferroelectric hysteresis with large polarization, low tangent loss, second-order ferroelectric phase transition near 350 ⁰C (high temperature) and large relative change in capacitive reactance under various pressure are observed in the composite that supports its suitability as a pressure sensor. Impedance analysis and ac conductivity have been studied as a function of pressure and temperature to understand the microstructure-property relation. The composite indicates nearly 6% change in capacitive reactance as well in dielectric constant with varying pressure from 25 to 200 MPa. The theoretical analysis suggests that stress and deformation linearly follow the applied pressure. However, the energy density follows a nonlinear relation with pressure.