Structure-property correlation of xPb(Ni < inf > 0.33 < /inf > Nb < inf > 0.67 < /inf > )O < inf > 3 < /inf > -(1-x)Pb(Zr < inf > 0.31 < /inf > Ti < inf > 0.69 < /inf > )O < inf > 3 < /inf > based relaxor-ferroelectric ceramics synthesized via columbite precursor method

Abstract

The PNN-PZT xPb(Ni 0.3Nb 0.67)O 3-(1-x) Pb(Zr 0.31Ti 0.69)O 3 (0.2≤x≤0.6) based relaxor-ferroelectric material was synthesized by columbite precursor (NiNb 2O 6) method via conventional solid state reaction. Homogeneous mixture of required oxides and precursor was calcined at 850°C for 4 hrs to obtain phase pure perovskite. Pellets of PNN-PZT ceramics were sintered at 1100°C for 4 hrs. Phase pure perovskite structure was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction analysis. From the X-ray diffraction analysis it is also confirmed that there is a structural transformation from the rhombohedral to tetragonal with increase in PZT content and existence of morphotrophic phase boundary (MPB) at x = 0.5 composition. The morphology and microstructure of the sintered pellets were observed using the scanning electron microscope. P-E loop measurement shows the high remnant polarization (19.12 μC/cm 2) and low coercive field (6.89 kV/cm) at MPB compared to all other compositions. The electromechanical planar coupling coefficient (k p) was measured through the resonance and anti-resonance method using the LCR meter. The piezoelectric strain coefficient (d 33) measured directly using the d 33-meter. At x = 0.5 composition the highest value of d 33 = 398 pC/N is obtained.