Interfacial adhesion in PZT-epoxy composites

Abstract

Composites of lead zirconate-titanate (PZT) and polymers have been shown to have outstanding properties compared to PZT for hydrostatic sensing applications. Most work in the past has dealt with manipulations of the composite design, ceramic composition, or polymer type. The role of interfacial adhesion between the PZT and the polymer in these composites has not been examined in any depth to date. For this reason, interfacial adhesion in PZT/epoxy composities was determined by mechanical tests. The interfacial strengths for untreated composites were found to be far from optimum. A number of PZT surface treatments such as physical surface roughening and the application of coupling agents were found to increase the degree of adhesion by a factor of two to three. Furthermore, the interfacial strengths were so substantial in some cases that cohesive failure of the epoxy occurred.