Influence of Varying the Powder Loading Content on the Homogeneity and Properties of Extruded PZT-Fibers

In this study PZT-green fibres containing 50, 54 and 58 vol.% PZT powder were extruded. The influences on the mixing torque, the apparent shear rate and the extrudability were investigated and a theoretical maximum powder loading content was calculated using a model introduced by Frankel and Acrivos. The influence of powder loading content on the microstructure (porosity and grain size), the phase composition and on the final ferroelectric properties of sintered PZT fibres was investigated. The measurements revealed that the production of PZT fibres with homogeneous properties requires a minimum powder loading content of 58 vol.% PZT powder.