Ceramic-Metal Interfaces in Multilayer Actuators

Multilayer actuators consist of a number of piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic layers, separated by thin metal electrodes. Thus, the ceramic-metal interface plays an even more important role than for bulk piezoceramics. The performance and durability of the actuator depends closely on the quality and strength of this interface.

In the case of a weak ceramic-metal interface, delaminations will occur under severe working conditions.Work has been carried out on a commercial PZT type ceramic and various types of Pt electrode paste. The present study involves characterization of the interface by optical microscopy, SEM and AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), as well as tensile strength measurements on model interfaces.