Effects of PZT Reinforcement on the Properties of Fe-Based Composites Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy

Fe composites are highly valued for their unique mechanical and magnetic properties, making them essential in various industrial applications. This study represents the first reported attempt to combine PZT into an Fe matrix, aiming to develop novel Fe-PZT composites. The primary objective was to assess how the concentration of PZT influences the properties of these composites. The results show that increasing the PZT content in Fe-xPZT composites (where x = 1, 5, and 10 wt.%) reduces the relative sintered density. Microstructural analysis reveals that the composites with higher PZT levels contained numerous large, irregularly shaped pores due to a pronounced Kirkendall effect and limited densification. Furthermore, the evaporation of the volatile PbO compound was observed to affect the thermal stability of the PZT system, leading to reduced composite homogeneity. SEM analysis showed the formation of intermetallic compounds corresponding to Fe2Ti, FeTi, and FeZr2. Finally, an increase in PZT content tends to degrade the tensile and mechanical properties of the Fe-xPZT composites, though they still do not fail catastrophically. These preliminary findings prove the concept of the feasibility of producing Fe-PZT composites and set the basis for the optimization of their manufacturing process. This should eventually unlock the possibility of producing multifunctional materials.