Investigations on morphology and domain configurations in 0-3 lead magnesium niobate titanate-portland cement composites by SEM and PFM

Abstract

Lead magnesium niobate titanate (PMNT) and Portland cement (PC) composite were fabricated as a new cement-based piezoelectric composite. Scanning Electron Microscope and Piezoresponse Force Microscope were used to investigate the morphology and domain configurations at the interfacial zone of PMNT-PC composites. Angular PMNT ceramic grains were found to bind well with the cement matrix and PMNT grains can be seen to disperse randomly in the cement matrix. Moreover, the angular shape PMNT particle contributes to better mechanical interlocking with the cement paste due to the angular aggregate having rough surface appearing to provide better mechanical interlocking with the cement paste. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.