Synthesis of Na0.5K0.5NbO3 piezoelectrics by a solution coating approach

Abstract

The solution coating method is shown to provide more homogeneous mixing of the starting powders and purer (Na0.5K0.5) NbO3 (NKN) powder than the conventional method thereby rendering cold isostatic pressing unnecessary. Sintering NKN with potassium copper niobate (KCN) by uniaxial pressing gave a relative bulk density of 92%, d 33 coefficient of 112pC/N and a loss factor of 1% after 6h at 1100°C. In contrast, the conventional method yielded 84% relative bulk density and a 31% loss factor after 6h at 1100°C and the sample was too porous to allow for dielectric and piezoelectric measurements. © 2009 American Ceramic Society.