Effect of KNbO₃ content on the crystal structure and electrical properties of (1 − x)PbZr_0.54Ti_0.46O₃-xKNbO₃ piezoelectric ceramics

Abstract

(1 − x)PbZr_0.54Ti_0.46O₃-xKNbO₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 25mol%) (abbreviated as PZT-xKN) piezoelectric ceramics were successfully fabricated by a traditional sintering technique at 1225°C for 30 min. The influence of KNbO₃ content on the crystal structure and electrical properties of the PZT-xKN piezoelectric ceramics was studied. Samples with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20 show a pure perovskite structure, indicating that all KNbO₃ diffused into the crystal lattice of PZT to form a single solid solution in this compositional range. A second Pb₃Nb₄O₁₃ phase is observed in the PZT-0.25KN sample, showing that the maximum solid solubility of KNbO₃ in PZT matrix ceramic is less than 25mol%. Compared with pure PZT piezoelectric ceramics, samples containing KNbO₃ have smaller crystal grains. PZT-0.15KN exhibits excellent piezoelectric properties with d ₃₃ = 209 pC/N.

Keywords

piezoelectric ceramics / crystal structure / electrical properties / grains

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