Characterization of a Pt-core PZT Fiber/Al Matrix Composite

The objective of this study is to design and characterize a piezoelectric composite and evaluate its suitability for viscosity-measuring applications, i.e., monitoring the coagulation rate of blood. The composite is manufactured of a platinum-core lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fiber inserted into an aluminum matrix. This study characterizes the described composite by testing its impedance, capacitance, voltage sensitivity response to vibrational inputs, and deformation due to electrical input. As actuators, different voltage inputs are fed into the probes and displacement is measured with results on the range of nanometers. As sensors, the devices are used to monitor cantilever beam vibrations. The probe’s response is in the mV range and follows the same pattern as an accelerometer. Additional tests in air, water, and deionized water are carried out to evaluate the sensor’s suitability for measuring viscosity using two probes: one as an actuator and the other as a sensor. Results of the gain and phase between the two probes indicate that the phase shift may be used as an indicator of viscosity changes. The first significant phase shift was measured as 2.45, 2.77, and 4.065x10Hz, for water, air, and oil, respectively, which is directly proportional to the kinematic viscosity of each fluid.