A model for 0‐3 piezoelectric composites with an interlayer

Abstract Based on the model for 0‐3 piezoelectric composites without an interlayer, a modified model for 0‐3 piezoelectric composites with an interlayer has been proposed and the expressions for this model consequently have been derived. The interlayer is supposed to act as a bridge between the ceramic and polymer matrix during the poling process. The calculated results show that the electric field strength on ceramic phase is influenced by the volume fraction of interlayer and ceramic in the composite, and dielectric constants of interlayer, ceramic, and polymer matrix. The electric field strength on ceramic phase increases with the interlayer volume fraction and dielectric constant ratio of interlayer and polymer matrix. This indicates that the ceramic polarization and piezoelectric performance of 0‐3 piezoelectric composites can be improved by design of the interlayer with appropriate dielectric constants and volume fractions into the 0‐3 piezoelectric composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1922–1927, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.