Comparison of the resonance characteristics of 1-3 composites of PZT in epoxy and PZT in P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer

PZT/Epoxy 1-3 composites were fabricated by embedding pre-sintered lead zirconate titanate (PZT) rods in an epoxy matrix, and then poling in an oil bath. A similar fabricating method was used in making PZT/P(VDF-TrFE) 1-3 except that the polymer matrix is a pre-poled P(VDF-TrFE) The resonance characteristics of both the PZT/Epoxy and PZT/P(VDF-TrFE) composites were measured. The resonance characteristics of the PZT/Epoxy sample arises solely from the PZT rods, so a comparison of the behaviour of these two samples gives the contribution of the piezoelectrically active P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer matrix to the 1-3 composites.