Conduction of (Na,Ce) doped Bi5Ti3FeO15 ceramics after different annealing processes

Abstract

Abstract

Bi_5?xNa_x/2Ce_x/2Ti₃FeO₁₅ (BNTF-100x, x?=?0, 0·05, 0·10, 0·20, 0·30, 0·40 and 0·60) ceramics were prepared via solid state sintering process. With x increasing, the resistivity increases at first and then decreases. The lower the concentration of oxygen vacancies, caused by more (Na,Ce) dopant adding, the less the deep trap energies in the band gap for the activated electrons to be mobile. For the samples containing high concentration of oxygen vacancies, the conductivities are higher when they are annealed in the air and oxygen than that in the vacuum. On the contrary, for the samples containing low concentration of oxygen vacancies, the conductivities of the samples in different annealing conditions behave quite the same way. Most (Na,Ce) doped Bi₅Ti₃FeO₁₅ ceramics exhibit intrinsic conduction at high temperatures with corresponding activation energies of 1·1–1·6 eV, while the extrinsic conduction has a close relationship with the concentration of oxygen vacancies and the activation ability of electrons.     

Structural,optical, electrical and dielectric properties of Bi1·5Zn0·92Nb1·5−xNixO6·92−3x/2 solid solution

Abstract

The effects of Ni content on the structural, optical, dielectric and electrical properties of Bi_1·5Zn_0·92Nb_1·5O_6·92 pyrochlore ceramics have been investigated. Nickel atoms were inserted into pure samples in accordance to the composition Bi_1·5Zn_0·92Nb_1·5?xNi_xO_6·92?3x/2, with x varying from 0·07 to 0·40. The structural analysis revealed that a single phase of the pyrochlore compound can be obtained for x values of 0·07 and 0·10 only. Further increase in Ni caused the appearance of multiple phases. The optical energy band gaps are determined as 3·30, 3·35 and 3·52 eV for Ni content of 0·00, 0·07 and 0·10 respectively. The temperature dependent electrical resistivity and the frequency dependent capacitance are observed to increase with increasing Ni content. The resonance frequency, which was determined from the capacitance–frequency dependence, was observed to shift from 12·14 to 10·47 kHz as the x values increase from 0·00 to 0·10 respectively.     

Electrical transport properties of Pr1−xSrxMnO3 (x = 0 to 0·45)

Abstract

Abstract

The electrical transport properties of polycrystalline Pr_1?xSr_xMnO₃ (x = 0 to 0·45) perovskite manganites prepared by the solid state reaction method have been studied. The insulator-metal transition temperature T _im shifted to higher temperatures when Sr content was increased. Generally, the average grain size decreased with increase in Sr content. The resistivity versus temperature curves in the metallic (ferromagnetic) and insulating (paramagnetic) region were fitted with several models. The activation energy of electrons hopping and the density of states at the Fermi level were estimated from the curve fitting. The ρ-T² curve was found to be nearly linear in the metallic region, but the ρ-T^2·5 curve deviated from linearity for x = 0·2 and 0·33. The variable range hopping model and small polaron hopping models fit well in the high temperature region. Sr substitution led to the decrease in the activation energy and the T _o values.     

Phase structure and electrical properties of lead free Na0·5Bi0·5TiO3–CaTiO3 ceramics

Abstract

Abstract

(1?x)Na_0·5Bi_0·5TiO_3?xCaTiO₃ ceramics with x?=?0–0·2 were prepared by solid state sintering method. Structural and morphology studies carried out by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy indicate the change in crystal structure from rhombohedral to orthorhombic symmetry (R3C to Pnma). The morphotropic phase boundary of this system was found to lie around x?=?0·08–0·14, where the orthorhombic and rhombohedral symmetries coexist. The orthorhombic phase is stabilised for x>0·14, indicating that the rhombohedral phase of Na_0·5Bi_0·5TiO₃ is susceptible to orthorhombic distortion brought about by Ca substitution. Calcium substitution in Na_0·5Bi_0·5TiO₃ caused an obvious decrease in peak temperature and a decrease in relative permittivity. The compositional variation of the fundamental dielectric behaviour is discussed in relation to the crystal chemistry of the system. The highest piezoelectric constant d₃₃ of 85 pC N^?1 is achieved for x?=?0·1, with the coercive field of 18 kV cm^?1 and the dielectric maximum temperature of 148°C.     

Dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics with Zn substitution for Cu

Abstract

CaCu_3–xZn_xTi₄O₁₂ (x is from 0 to 1·0) polycrystalline samples were fabricated via a two-step solid state reaction process. The lattice parameter of the monophasic CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ phase increased as Zn content increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the CCTO ceramic show bimodal grain size distribution and the grain size decrease largely with the appearance of Zn₂TiO₄ second phase. The dielectric permittivity of pure CCTO ceramic is ～1·5×10⁴ at f?=?100 Hz. The dielectric constant of the sample largely increased with Zn substitution in the frequency range f<10⁴ Hz. The highest dielectric constant was 6·2×10⁴ at f?=?100 Hz with Zn substitution of x?=?0·8. The improved dielectric properties are believed to be related to the presence of a thin grain boundary barrier layer. The resistivity of the grain boundary decreased largely with Zn substitution as evidenced from the impedance plots.     

Mechanical and dielectric properties of silicon dioxide film fabricated from polyphenylcarbosilane

Abstract

Abstract

Silicon dioxide film derived from polyphenylcarbosilane (PPCS) is being investigated for electronic ceramics and applications to dielectric materials. Polyphenylcarbosilane was heat treated under oxygen atmosphere to fabricate SiO₂ film. The mechanical property and dielectric constant of the film were measured using a nanoindenter and a semiconductor parameter analyser with metal–insulator–semiconductor structure. The chemical behaviour and structure were analysed with an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer and a differential thermal analyser. From the results, the silicon oxide film was synthesised from PPCS due to proper heat treatment. Elastic modulus values of the fired PPCS film were from 8·9 to 27·9 GPa and hardness values of the fired PPCS film were from 0·47 to 2·29 GPa with increasing firing temperature. Change in mechanical properties is related to intermolecular binding strength in the film.     

Effects of sintering temperature on properties of Na0·5K0·5NbO3-LiSbO3-BiFeO3 lead free ceramics

Abstract

Abstract

Lead free 0·95K_0·5Na_0·5NbO₃-0·05LiSbO₃ (KNN-LS) ceramics doped with 0·4?mol.-% BiFeO₃ (BF) have been prepared by the conventional mixed oxide method with sintering temperature at 1065-1135°C in this paper. The samples are characterised by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties are also investigated. The results present that initially the increase in the sintering temperature is very effective in improving the density and electric properties. However, the properties of the samples would be deteriorated as they are sintered over the optimum temperature. The KNN-LS (doped with 0·4%BF) ceramics shows excellent properties with sintering temperature at 1100°C.     

Influence of Zn doping on microstructures and dielectric properties in CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic synthesised by semiwet route

Abstract

A single phase of calcium copper titanate [CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO)] was produced at lower temperature and shorter calcination time via a novel semiwet route. Undoped CCTO and zinc doped CaCu_3?xZn_xTi₄O₁₂ samples with x?=?0·10, 0·20 and 0·30 were prepared by this method for the first time using solid TiO₂ powder in metal nitrate solutions. The CaCu_3?xZn_xTi₄O₁₂ ceramics were characterised by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, SEM and EDX techniques. The SEM images of the sintered CaCu_3?xZn_xTi₄O₁₂ ceramics showed average grain size in the ranges of 2–6, 8–13, 12–16 and 14–20 μm for x?=?0·00, 0·10, 0·20 and 0·30 respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy studies confirm the purity of parent and Zn doped CCTO ceramics. At room temperature, the dielectric constants of Zn doped CCTO are always higher than pure CCTO. CaCu_3?xZn_xTi₄O₁₂ (x?=?0·20) ceramic has the maximum value of ?_r≈4347 along with the minimum value of tan?δ≈0·14 at 1 kHz.     

Influence of magnesia doping on structure and electrical conductivity of pyrochlore type GdSmZr2O7

Abstract

Polycrystalline ceramic samples of magnesia doped GdSm_1–xMg_xZr₂O_7–x/2 have been prepared by conventional solid state reaction method using high purity oxides. The influence of magnesia dopant content on densification, microstructure and electrical properties of GdSm_1–xMg_xZr₂O_7–x/2 ceramics are investigated. Magnesia doping promotes the sintering densification behaviour of GdSm_1–xMg_xZr₂O_7–x/2 ceramics. GdSm_1–xMg_xZr₂O_7–x/2 (x?=?0, 0·05, 0·10) ceramics have a single phase of the pyrochlore type structure, while GdSm_1–xMg_xZr₂O_7–x/2 (x?=?0·15, 0·20) ceramics consist of the pyrochlore type structure and a small amount of magnesia as the second phase. The total conductivity of GdSm_1–xMg_xZr₂O_7–x/2 ceramics obeys the Arrhenius relation, and gradually increases with increasing temperature from 723 to 1173 K. GdSm_1–xMg_xZr₂O_7–x/2 ceramics are oxide-ion conductors in the oxygen partial pressure range of 1·0×10^–4 to 1·0 atm at each test temperature. The maximum value of the total conductivity is 1·29×10^–2 S cm^–1 at 1173 K for the GdSm_0·85Mg_0·15Zr₂O_6·925 ceramic.     

Influence of Co3O4, Fe2O3 and SiC on microstructure and properties of glass foam from waste cathode ray tube display panel (CRT)

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of temperature and oxidising agents such as Fe₂O₃ and Co₃O₄ on physical and mechanical properties of glass foam is investigated. The glass foam is made of panel glass from dismantled cathode ray tubes and SiC as a foaming agent. In the process, powdered waste glass (mean particle size below 63 μm) in addition to 4 wt-% SiC powder (mean particle size below 45 μm) are combined with Fe₂O₃ and Co₃O₄ (0·4, 0·8 and 1·2 wt-%) have been sintered at 950 and 1050°C. The glass foamed containing 1·2 wt-% Co₃O₄ has good physical properties, with porosity more than 80% and bending strength more than 1·57±0·12 MPa. However, by adding different amounts of Fe₂O₃ in comparison with samples without iron oxide, little changes in porosity and strength are obtained.     

Structural analysis and electrode performance of Ce doped SrMnO3 synthesised by EDTA citrate complexing process

Abstract

Sr_1?xCe_xMnO₃ (SCM, 0·1≤x≤0·4) powders were synthesised by an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid citrate complexing process, and their properties were investigated. The synthesised Sr_1?xCe_xMnO₃ powders showed a pure perovskite phase, whereas the composition with x?=?0·4 had second phases. The unit cell volumes increased with increasing Ce content because substituted Ce ions formed some Mn³⁺ ions, which have a larger ionic radius than Mn⁴⁺. The electrical conductivity improved with increasing Ce content up to x?=?0·3 (291 S cm^?1 at 750°C), revealing a double exchange interaction. Although the electrical conductivity was increased by doping Ce ions, the polarisation resistance increased due to the increase in lattice distortion with doping Ce content. The substitution of Ce ions for Sr in SrMnO₃ led to the formation of larger Mn³⁺ ions than Mn⁴⁺ ions and lattice distortion, which would affect the electrical and oxygen ion conductivity.     

Impedance spectroscopy of Ba1–xSrxSn0·15Ti0·85O3 ceramics

Abstract

The electrical properties of Ba_1–xSr_xSn_0·15Ti_0·85O₃ (BSST) (x=0, 0·03, 0·06, 0·09) ceramics synthesised by the precursor solution method were investigated by impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range from room temperature to 500°C. SEM micrographs show the grain distribution. Nyquist plots reveal the presence of a bulk effect for x=0 and of bulk and grain boundary effects for x=0·03, 0·06 and 0·09. Variation in bulk ac conductivity as a function of frequency demonstrates that the compounds exhibit Arrhenius type electrical conductivity. The ac activation energy increases with increasing Sr concentration.     

Structural and electrical properties of magnetic ceramics of Co1−xCuxFe2O4 spinel nanoferrites

Abstract

Magnetic ceramics of the type of spinel nanoferrites of Co_1?xCu_xFe₂O₄ with Cu concentrations of x?=?0·00, 0·25, 0·50, 0·75 and 1·00 were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the formation of a single spinel ferrite structure with crystallite size in the range of 20–63 nm. Scanning electron microscopy and EDS were used to study the morphological and compositional changes taking place with varying Cu concentration. DC electrical resistivity, activation energy and drift mobility are strongly influenced by both Cu concentration and temperature. Resistivities of the prepared magnetic ceramics were found to decrease with the increase in Cu concentration to follow Verwey mechanism. The semiconductor behaviour of the prepared nanoparticles was confirmed from the standard Arrhenius relation of resistivity versus temperature. The dielectric constants were measured in the frequency range of 100 Hz–3·0 MHz and are explained by the Maxwell–Wagner interfacial type of polarisation.     

Coprecipitation synthesis and sintering property of (YbxSm1-x)2Zr2O7 ceramic powders

Abstract

Abstract

(Yb_xSm_1-x)₂Zr₂O₇ (0<x<1·0) ceramic powders were synthesised with chemical coprecipitation and calcination method. Thermal decomposition behaviour of precipitates was studied by differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetry. The powders were characterised by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The synthesised powders have a particle size of about 100?nm, and exhibit to a certain extent agglomeration. The sintering behaviour of (Yb_xSm_1-x)₂Zr₂O₇ powders was studied by pressureless sintering method at 1550-1700°C for 10?h in air. The relative densities of (Yb_xSm_1-x)₂Zr₂O₇ ceramics increase with increasing sintering temperature, and reach above 95% when sintered at 1700°C for 10?h in air. Sm₂Zr₂O₇ and (Yb_0·1Sm_0·9)₂Zr₂O₇ ceramics have a pyrochlore structure; however, (Yb_xSm_1-x)₂Zr₂O₇ (0·3<x<1·0) ceramics exhibit a defective fluorite type structure.     

Structure and electrical properties evolution of B-site complex ions (Li1/4Nb3/4) modification BNT–BT ceramics

Abstract

B-site complex ions (Li_1/4Nb_3/4)⁴⁺ modification (Bi_1/2Na_1/2)_0·94Ba_0·06TiO₃ ceramics with compositions of (Bi_1/2Na_1/2)_0·94Ba_0·06Ti_1?x(Li_1/4Nb_3/4)_xO₃ (x?=?0, 0·01, 0·03 and 0·06) have been synthesised via the conventional solid state reaction. The effect of (Li_1/4Nb_3/4)⁴⁺ content and sintering temperature on structures and electrical properties were investigated. It was found that both compositions and sintering temperatures have no significant effect on the crystal structure, and trace (Li_1/4Nb_3/4)⁴⁺ addition and sintering temperatures have a great influence on the microstructure. Two obvious dielectric anomaly peaks (T_d and T_m) were observed and dielectric constant for all poled specimens displayed significant frequency dispersion at T_d and diffusion phase transition at T_m. The piezoelectric properties of the ceramics are insensitive to the sintering temperatures, and the composition with x?=?0·03 sintering at 1150°C exhibits favourable piezoelectric properties of d₃₃?=?155 pC N^?1 and k_p?=?0·312.     

Effect of nanosilica and microsilica on microstructure and hardened properties of cement pastes and mortars

Abstract

This paper reports the effects of nanosilica (nS), microsilica (silica fume, SF) and their simultaneous use (nS+SF) on “both” the microstructure of cement pastes and the mechanical properties of mortars. After water curing at 21°C for 7, 28 and 90 days, samples with water/binder w/b ratio of 0·35 were characterised by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and compressive strength test. Single or mixed mineral additions did not generate “any” distinct hydration phases compared to the reference material without additives. A decrease in the calcium hydroxide contents in later curing ages indicated a pozzolanic effect of nS and SF. The chemical action promoted by nS together with the physical effect due to the small particle size distribution given by SF result in higher compressive strength and better hardened properties, suggesting the synergistic action of nS+SF compared with single additions.     

Synthesis and microwave absorption properties of Ni–Zn–Mn spinel ferrites

A series of Ni_0·5?xZn_0·3?xMn_0·2+2xFe₂O₄ ferrites was successfully prepared by the sol–gel autocombustion method. The structure and electromagnetic properties of the powders were characterised by X-ray diffraction, SEM and vector network analysis. The pure powders were formed by heating at 1200°C for 3 h in air, and grain sizes increased as the amount of substitution ranged from x?=?0·0 to x?=?0·25. For samples with x?=?0·1, a minimum reflection loss of ?27·57 dB was observed at 11·0 GHz with the less than ?10 dB absorption bandwidth at 8·0 GHz with 3·8 mm thickness. The results indicate that substitution with Mn and Zn ions can greatly improve the microwave absorption properties of NiFe₂O₄ ferrites.     

Grain boundary segregation and microwave dielectric properties of low loss Mg1·5Zn0·5SiO4 ceramics containing Bi2O3

Abstract

Abstract

Uncommon low loss Mg_1·5Zn_0·5SiO₄ ceramics containing Bi₂O₃ were investigated by focusing on the roles of Bi₂O₃ on phase evolution and resultant microwave dielectric properties. While the primary goal of lowering sintering temperature can be easily assumed, some unexpected behaviours of the Bi₂O₃ containing materials are highlighted with experimental evidences concerning selective dissolution of Zn₂SiO₄ and grain boundary segregation of gradual Bi richer phases. These evidences are strongly dependent on the content of Bi₂O₃ and sintering temperature. As an optimal composition, Mg_1·5Zn_0·5SiO₄ with 0·5?mol.-%Bi₂O₃ exhibited promising dielectric properties of a k value ～6·8 and a Q×f value ～23?300 at a sintering temperature of 1150°C, which is much lower than typical sintering temperature of 1450°C.     

Synthesis,consolidation and dielectric properties of BLT ceramics processed by M-PVA gel ignition technique

Abstract

Abstract

Polycrystalline samples of lanthanum modified bismuth titanate ceramics with composition Bi_3·25La_0·75Ti₃O₁₂ (BLT) were prepared at three different sintering temperatures (1050, 1100 and 1150°C) using M-PVA gel ignition technique. The samples were characterised for structural and electrical properties. A significant amount of as burnt BLT powder was found to be crystalline in nature having a yellowish colour. Very fine BLT nanoparticles were characterised by TEM analysis. Single phase with orthorhombic crystal structure was observed for all the samples, confirmed by X-ray analysis. Dielectric properties were studied as a function of frequency and temperature. More than 95% relative density was observed for all the three sintered samples. The sample sintered at 1100°C showed highest dielectric constant and relative density and lowest loss.