Processing and electrical properties in lead-based (Pb(Mg 1/3Nb2/3)O3, Pb(Yb1/2Nb 1/2)O3, PbTiO3) systems

Abstract

Lead-based ferroelectric (FE) ceramics exhibit superior electromechanical properties; therefore, there has been an increased focus on developing new lead-based FE materials with high Curie temperature (Tc) and enhanced properties. The aim of this study was to investigate new compositions in the Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-Pb(Yb1/2Nb 1/2)O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PYbN-PT) system to enhance the electromechanical properties while increasing the Tc and lowering the sintering temperature. The 0.575[0.5PMN-0.5PYbN]-0.425PT composition at PMN/PYbN (50/50) mole ratio were prepared by reactive sintering PMNT and PYbNT powder mixtures at 950°-1200°C for 4 h. PMNT and PYbNT powders were calcined via the columbite method. Samples were prepared by cold isostatic pressing at 80 MPa. Dense and fully perovskite 0.575[0.5PMN-0.5PYbN]-0.425PT ceramics were fabricated at 975°C for 4 h, and these samples displayed a remnant polarization (Pr) of 32 μC/cm2, coercive field (Ec) of 17 kV/cm, and a piezoelectric charge coefficient (d 33) of 475 pC/N. It is proposed that this ternary system can be tailored for various applications. © 2009 The American Ceramic Society.