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Micro-computer tomography—An aid in the investigation of structural changes in lead zirconate titanate ceramics after temperature-humidity bias testing

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Abstract

Lead zirconate titanate ceramic actuators are extensively used in electronic and electro-mechanical devices. Under humid conditions with a d.c. bias leakage currents increase power consumption In some materials the increasing leakage current is accompanied by the evolution of features on the anode surface, but little is known of any changes to the internal structure of the material. This research applies an advanced imaging technique (micro-computer tomography) to non-destructively investigate these features. This allows the evolution of internal features over time to be studied. The findings reveal that the microstructure of the ceramic was significantly altered during environmental testing.

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Acknowledgement

This project (APAHOE) is co-funded by the Technology Strategy Board's Collaborative Research and Development programme, following an open competition (www.innovateuk.org). The authors would also like to thank project partner NPL Ltd, and Diameter Ltd for their contribution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Electro-Mechanical Research Group, School of Engineering Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK

    I. P. Lipscomb, J. Swingler & J. W. McBride

  2. Servocell Ltd, 1 Astra Centre, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2BN, UK

    P. M. Weaver

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  1. I. P. Lipscomb
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  2. P. M. Weaver
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  3. J. Swingler
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  4. J. W. McBride
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Correspondence to I. P. Lipscomb.

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Lipscomb, I.P., Weaver, P.M., Swingler, J. et al. Micro-computer tomography—An aid in the investigation of structural changes in lead zirconate titanate ceramics after temperature-humidity bias testing. J Electroceram 23, 72–75 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10832-008-9537-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10832-008-9537-8

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