Structure-Property Correlation of xPb(Ni0.33Nb0.67)O3-(l-x)Pb(Zr0.31Ti0.69)O3 Based Relaxor-Ferroelectric Ceramics Synthesized Via Columbite Precursor Method

Abstract

The PNN-PZT xPb(Ni0.3Nb0.67)3-(l-x)Pb(Zr0.3iTi0.69)3 (0.2≤x≤0.6) based relaxor-ferroelectric material was synthesized by columbite precursor (NiNb2O6) 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/cm32) and low coercive field (6.89 kV/cm) at MPB compared to all other compositions. The electromechanical planar coupling coefficient (kp) was measured through the resonance and anti-resonance method using the LCR meter. The piezoelectric strain coefficient (d33) measured directly using the d33-meter. At x = 0.5 composition the highest value of d33 = 398 pC/N is obtained. © 2012 The Minerals, Metals, & Materials Society. All rights reserved.