Metallographic Preparation Procedures - PZT's

Piezoelectric (PZT) Devices

PZT, or piezoelectric, devices are very useful because they generate a voltage when mechanically deformed or vice versa.

PZT’s are typically composed of lead, zirconium and titanate, which are processed at extremely high temperatures. PZT devices present the same challenges as polishing other brittle materials; however, they present the additional challenge of preparing other materials with significantly different properties (packaging materials, solders, coating, etc.). Specimen preparation must eliminate the preparation induced artifacts, as well as maintain the planarity of the specimen.

SECTIONING
Diamond wafering blade - medium grit/low concentration (if required)

MOUNTING
Castable epoxy or acrylic resins

POLISHING

PZT cross section with sputter coating, 200,000X, as polished

Undesirable void in PZT, 31,000X, as polished