Nanoparticles Transport in Ceramic MatriNes: A Novel Approach for Ceramic Matrix Composites Fabrication

The results of practical implementation of a new method for porous piezoceramics, and ceramic matrix piezocomposites fabrication were presented. The method was based on nanoparticles transport in ceramic matrices using a polymer nanogranules coated or filled with a various chemicals, with successive porous ceramics fabrication processes. Different types of polymer microgranules filled and coated by metal-containing nanoparticles were used for a pilot samples fabrication. Polymer microgranules were examined using transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as by EXAFS and X-ray emission spectroscopy. Pilot samples of nano- and microporous ceramics and composites were fabricated using different piezoceramics compositions (PZT, lead potassium niobate and lead titanate) as a ceramic matrix bases. Resulting ceramic matrix piezocomposites were composed by super lattices of closed or open pores filled or coated by nanoparticles of metals, oxides, ferromagnetics etc. embedded in piezoceramic matrix. Dielectric and piezoelectric parameters of pilot samples were measured using piezoelectric resonance analysis method. New family of nano- and microporous piezoceramics and ceramic matrix piezocomposites are characterized by a unique spectrum of the electrophysical properties unachievable for standard PZT ceramic compositions and fabrication methods.