The microstructures and dielectric properties of xSrZrO3–(1−x)SrTiO3 ceramics

In this paper, the microstructures and the dielectric properties of xSrZrO₃–(1?x)SrTiO₃ (x?=?0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07) ceramics were investigated. The composition can form a single-phase structure solid solution as x increases from 0.01 to 0.07, and the average grain size decreases from 15 to 2 μm with the x increasing. With the variation of SrZrO₃ content, dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and breakdown strength (BDS) of xSrZrO₃–(1?x)SrTiO₃ samples are changed. When x?=?0.05, the samples exhibit high BDS more than 14 kV/mm and low dielectric loss about 1?×?10^?3 with dielectric constant of 330. It can be a candidate material of energy storage for pulsed power application.     

Structural and dielectric properties of Ba0.80Sr0.20Ti1 − x Sn x O3 ceramics

The Ba_0.80Sr_0.20Ti_1???x Sn _x O₃ (BSTS) ceramics were prepared by conventional ceramic method. The crystalline structure and morphology were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The dielectric constant and loss as a function of temperature and external bias electric field were investigated. Experimental results show that with the increasing of sintering temperature, the peak permittivity increases dramatically and tanδ increases at ferroelectric state while does not change apparently at paraelectric state. With the increasing of the Sn⁴⁺ concentration in the BSTS structure, the Curie temperature decreases.     

Microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of (1 − x)Ca(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3/xCa0.61Nd0.26TiO3 complex perovskite ceramics

Ceramics in the (1?x)Ca(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃/xCa_0.61Nd_0.26TiO₃ system were prepared and characterized. Single phase solid solutions were obtained up to x?=?0.4, and the crystal structure belonged to monoclinic space group P21(4) for x?=?0.1 and orthorhombic space group Pbnm(62) for x above 0.1. The secondary phase of Ca₂(Ti,Nb)₂O₆ was observed for x?=?0.6 and 0.8. Good combination of microwave dielectric properties was achieved in the present ceramics with x?=?0.4: ? _r?=?46.5, Qf?=?14,136 GHz, τ _f?=??12.5 ppm/°C.     

Structural evolution and microwave dielectric properties of (1 − x)BaZn1/3Nb2/3O3 + xBaMg1/2W1/2O3 ceramics

Structural evolution and microwave dielectric properties of (1 − x)BaZn_1/3Nb_2/3O₃ + xBaMg_1/2W_1/2O₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) system have been investigated in this work. All samples exhibit single perovskite phase except for the samples with x = 0 and x ≥ 0.8 in which barium niobate and BaWO₄ second phase existed, respectively. 1:1 cations ordering existed in the samples with x ≥ 0.1, and the ordering degree increases with the increase of x. Liquid phase sintering was observed in the sample with x ≥ 0.8. Dielectric constant decreases almost linearly from 40.8 to 17.4 with increasing x. Q × f value monotonically increases from 26,162 GHz to 64,705 GHz with increasing x. The τ_f value changes from +30 ppm/°C to −27.8ppm/°C. Near zero τ_f value of −1.4 ppm/°C could be obtained at x = 0.4 composition.     

Investigation of dielectric and relaxor ferroelectric properties in Ba(Zr x Ti1−x )O3 ceramics

Barium zirconate titanate Ba(Zr _x Ti_1?x )O₃ (BZT x?=?0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25) ceramics doped with Nb₂O₅ have been prepared by a traditional solid phase reaction. The temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity has been investigated. The results show that the phase transition temperature T _c is depressed and the diffuse phase transition behavior is enhanced with increasing Zr content. The Cole–Cole plot has been discussed and the cause of the deviation has been analyzed. The temperature dependence of inverse dielectric constants was investigated. A modified Curie–Weiss law can be used to describe the diffuseness of a phase transition, and diffusion factor increases with the Zr content.     

Dielectric and pyroelectric properties of (1 − x)PST-xPZT ferroelectric ceramics

Pb(Sc_1/2Ta_1/2)O₃ (PST) ceramics were investigated greatly in the world for their unique pyroelectric, ferroelectric and dielectric properties and comprehensive applications on uncooled focal plane arrays, infrared detectors and other electronic devices. However, the PST ceramics doped with other perovskite ferroelectrics showed more excellent electrical and electronic properties. In this paper, (1???x)PST-xPZT(PSTZT) ferroelectric ceramics were prepared by conventional solid state process. The experiment results demonstrated that the PSTZT ceramics had pure perovskite phase. The temperature dependence of permittivity of PSTZT ceramics was investigated in detail, which indicated that PSTZT was not a complete diffusive phase transition ferroelectric ceramics. At room temperature, the pyroelectric coefficient of PSTZT (x?=?0.1) ceramics was about 15*10^?8C/(cm² K).     

Synthesis and characterizations of the (1 − x)Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3–xPbTiO3 solid solution ceramics

We report a systematic study of the (1???x)Pb(Sc_1/2Nb_1/2)O₃–xPbTiO₃ (PSN–PT) solid solution in the form of ceramics with compositions at or near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region (0.35?≤?x?≤?0.50). The PSN–PT ceramics have been synthesized by an improved two-step wolframite precursor method. The synthetic process has been optimized in terms of calcining and sintering conditions. Both dielectric permittivity measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) show a clear peak at T _C, at which the transition from the paraelectric to ferroelectric phase takes place. Interestingly, the solid solution of the MPB compositions displays a T _C?>?200 °C, i.e. higher than the T _C of the Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–PbTiO₃ and Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–PbTiO₃ solid solutions, making the PSN–PT system very promising piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials for high-temperature applications. A dielectric maximum as high as 50,000 is obtained for the 0.65PSN–0.35PT ceramic with losses smaller than 0.05. The values of the remnant polarization and the strain level of the PSN–PT ceramics are comparable to those of the PZT ceramics.     

Synthesis of nanosized (1 − x)BiScO3 − xPbTiO3 ferroelectric ceramic powders

Nanosized (1???x)BiScO₃???xPbTiO₃ ferroelectric ceramic powders was obtained by the metal citrate sol–gel method. The decomposition process of the polymer was studied by using infrared spectral absorption and X-ray diffraction. Perovskite phase can be obtained at the calcining temperature as low as 450 °C and the average grain sizes of powders were calculated by XRD method. The influence of the grain size by pH value of the solution is explained. The calcining temperature is proved to be the foremost factor to determine the grain size which grew from 12 to 23 nm when calcined at different temperatures. The holding time can also affect the grain size. The sintering temperature can be reduced by 100 °C using nano powders than using traditionally prepared large grain powders.     

Effect of additive SrWO4 on microwave dielectric properties of SrTiO3–Sr(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics

The crystal structure and the properties of a new microwave dielectric ceramics x SrTiO₃–(1???x)Sr(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ have been investigated. With x?=?0.025, The new microwave dielectric ceramic achieves the dielectric properties of a dielectric constant ? _r ～27.8, a Q?×?f value ～26,800, and a τ _f value ～7.4 ppm/°C. When the SrWO₄ is added, the sintering temperature of x SrTiO₃–(1???x)Sr(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ ceramics will fall to 1350 °C, and its Q?×?f value can be improved further and the τ _f value becomes smaller. When the SrWO₄ is added by 0.07 mol, the specimen acquires the following microwave properties: a dielectric constant ? _r ～30.3, a Q?×?f value ～29,500, and a τ _f value of approximately ?0.4 ppm/°C.     

Stability and microwave dielectric characteristics of (Ca1−x Sr x )LaAlO4 ceramics

The stability of K₂NiF₄ structure in MRAlO₄ (M?=?Sr and Ca; R?=?=?La, Nd, Sm, and Y) ceramics was discussed via calculating the relative difference between the tolerance factors for ABCO₄ and ABO₃ structure, and the K₂NiF₄ structure became unstable when the above difference was greater than 4.3%. Among the above ceramics, CaLaAlO₄ and SrYAlO₄ were not stable. To improve the stability of K₂NiF₄ structure in CaLaAlO₄, the effects of Sr substitution for Ca were investigated. The stability of K₂NiF₄ structure in (Ca_1?x Sr _x )LaAlO₄ ceramics increased with increasing x, and it became stable when x?>?0.9. Good microwave dielectric properties were achieved in (Ca_0.05Sr_0.95)LaAlO₄ ceramics: ??=?16.7, Q.f?=?28,171 GHz, τ _f ?=??52.4 ppm/°C.     

Microstructure dependence of microwave dielectric characteristics in Ba6-3x Sm8+2x Ti18O54 (x = 2/3) ceramics

Effects of microstructures on the microwave dielectric characteristics of Ba_6-3x Sm_8+2x Ti₁₈O₅₄ (x?=?2/3) ceramics were investigated by controlling the sintering process and the annealing condition. The dielectric constant was sensitive to the porosity in ceramics, but insensitive to the annealing process. Q f value varied with both the annealing atmosphere and the sintering temperature, which indicates the strong reliance of dielectric loss on defects and grain boundaries. τ _f value exhibited a complex dependence on the sintering temperature. The orientation of grains is responsible for the variation of τ _f .     

Sintering and dielectric properties of (Ta2O5)1−x (TiO2) x polycrystalline ceramics

(Ta₂O₅)_1?x (TiO₂) _x system ceramics has been studied intensively as a promising dielectric material for next generation of high density dynamic random access memories instead of SiO₂ and Si₃N₄. It is found that the dielectric permittivity of (Ta₂O₅)_1?x (TiO₂) _x ceramics was dependent of fabrication process. But in the previous work, their calcining and sintering time were too long, generally for 24 h or even more. A relatively quick sintering process was provided which calcining and sintering time can be decreased to 12 h at 1200°C and 1 h at 1550°C, respectively. This kind of sintering process can save a lot of energy and time that is in favor of the industrial production. Under this sintering process, the composition dependent dielectric properties of (Ta₂O₅)_1?x (TiO₂) _x ceramics have been studied in a wide range of composition (0.01?≤?x?≤?0.20), and the dielectric constants of most compositions can be drastically enhanced. The maximum dielectric value can reach 216 at composition x?=?0.04. In the meantime, the mechanism of improvement of ceramic dielectric constants sintered at 1550°C was also discussed.     

Structure and dielectric properties of Bi5−x La x Nb3O15 ceramics

Bi_5?x La _x Nb₃O₁₅ (x?=?0–?1.25) ceramics prepared by conventional solid-state reaction were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and dielectric spectroscopy techniques. The XRD analysis indicated single phase solid solution of Bi_5?x La _x Nb₃O₁₅ is formed for x?≤?1.25. EPMA showed good densification and homogeneous microstructures for the ceramics. With increasing x, the dielectric constant decreases monotonously and can vary from 258 to 158 at 300 kHz. The frequency dependence of dielectric constants indicated these ceramics are promising candidates for high frequency applications.     

Investigation on energy storage density and thermal energy harvesting capabilities in ferroelectric [(1 − x)Ba0.9Ca0.1TiO3–x(BaSn0.2Ti0.8O3)] ceramics

Ferroelectric materials are used in a various applications ranging from sensors and actuators to ferroelectric transducers, microelectronics and health monitoring systems. The lead-free ferroelectric materials instead of lead based material are having a great interest of researchers for the development of materials owing to environmental issues. This paper presents the study of lead free composition of [(1???x)Ba_0.9Ca_0.1TiO₃–x(BaSn_0.2Ti_0.8O₃)] for x?=?0, 0.4,0.5 and 0.6 polycrystalline ceramics. This study deals with the investigation of energy storage density and thermal energy harvesting potential through the use of Olsen cycle. The maximum energy storage density is found 63.5?kJ/m³ and maximum energy conversion density of 130?kJ/m³ was observed for cycle operating at 303 K–343 K and 13–19?kV/cm for x?=?0.5 composition.     

Synthesis of (Ba0.5Sr0.5)(Ti1 − x Zr x )O3 ceramics: Effect of Zr content on room temperature electrical properties

The phase formation behavior and room temperature dielectric properties of bulk perovskite solid solution composition (Ba_0.5Sr_0.5)(Ti_1 − x Zr _x )O₃ have been investigated. The samples with different Zr-content were prepared through solid state reaction. The XRD investigation showed that Zr⁺⁴ is systematically dissolved in Ba_0.5Sr_0.5TiO₃ lattice up to about 60 atm.% substitution, having cubic Pm3m structure. Eighty atom percent Zr substituted composition showed to contain a cubic phase similar to that of x = 0.6 composition and a tetragonal (I4/mcm) phase. That is the solid solution breaks around at 80 atm.% Zr substitutions. Ba_0.5Sr_0.5ZrO₃ was having orthorhombic Imma structure. Decrease in grain sizes were observed with increase in Zr content. The permittivity of the ceramics decreased with the increase in Zr substitution. The frequency dependency of dielectric loss in the frequency range 10 Hz to 10 MHz, were improved with Zr substitution in the ceramics. The room temperature ac and dc conductivity also decreased significantly with the increase in Zr-content.     

Dielectric measurements on a novel Ba1 − x Ca x TiO3 (BCT) bulk ceramic combinatorial library

High-throughput combinatorial methods have the potential to discover new materials. They can investigate the effects of a wide range of dopants on the dielectric properties to optimize existing systems, encouraging the short innovation cycles that industry requires. We are currently part of a consortium of London Universities exploring methods of producing and measuring combinatorial libraries of microwave dielectric ceramics. The London University Search Instrument (LUSI) is a fully automated, high-throughput combinatorial robot that has the potential capability to produce combinatorial libraries consisting of large numbers of sintered bulk ceramic samples with varying composition, on alumna substrates. We have reported the manufacture and characterisation of Ba _x Sr_1???x TiO₃ libraries (x in steps of 0.1) as a proof of concept to demonstrate that the robot works and to confirm a compositional and functional change throughout the libraries, as well as proving that reliable measurements can be made on such small samples. Libraries of Ba_1???x Ca _x TiO₃ samples were made with varying compositions of x?=?0–1 in steps of 0.1, and fired to 1400 °C for 1 h, by LUSI. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data agreed with the few previous reports on this little-studied system, namely that after initially forming a solid solution with Ca addition, above x?=?0.2 a two phase system forms with values of 0.2?<?x?<?0.9, after which a single phase system again appears with values of x?=?0.9 and higher. Dielectric measurements (100 Hz–1 MHz) showed a previously reported unusual initial increase in the Curie point with substitution up to x?=?0.2, followed by a rapid decrease to below 125 K when x?>?0.4. This initial increase has been attributed to the Ca substituting in both the Ba²⁺ A sites and the Ti⁴⁺ B sites of the perovskite up to x?=?0.2, after which T _c decreases greatly as the two phase system forms. Scanning probe microscopy and piezo response force microscopy (PFM) experiments also showed evidence of an increase in piezoelectricity with small amounts of x (0.1–0.2), followed by a decrease with increasing x.     

Piezoelectric and Dielectric Properties of Pb(Zr x Ti1 − x )O3-Pb(Ni1/3Sb1/3Nb1/3)O3 Piezoelectric Ceramics

In this paper, piezoelectric and dielectric properties of 0.9PbZr_xTi_1–xO₃-0.1PbNi_1/3Sb_1/3Nb_1/3O₃ were studied as a function of Zr/Ti mole ratio(x) for application to piezoelectric actuator. Also, microstructure and crystalline phase are investigated by using SEM and XRD, respectively. As a results, the substitution of Sb5+ to B-site increases the piezoelectric and dielectric properties, and when Zr/Ti mole ratio is 49/51 and ternary mole ration is 0.1(0.9PbZr_0.49Ti_0.51O₃-0.1PbNi_1/3Sb_1/3Nb_1/3O₃), the corresponding composition were found belonging to the Morphotropic Phase Boundary region with electromechanical coupling coefficient(k_p), mechanical quality factor (Q_m), permittivity(_r) and piezoelectric strain constant(d₃₃) equaled to 63%, 360, 2000 and 470 pC/N, respectively. Sintering temperature was about 1150_C and Curie temperature was determined around 290_C.     

Microwave permittivity of MWCNT,Ca1 − xBaxBi2Nb2O9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and MWCNT/ Ca1 − xBaxBi2Nb2O9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) layered composite thick films using microstrip ring resonator overlay method

Journal of Electroceramics - The microwave dielectric properties of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) thick film, Ca1???xBaxBi2Nb2O9 (x?=?0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8,...     

Piezoelectric and dielectric properties of low temperature sintering Pb(Mn1/3Nb2/3)O3–Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–Pb(Zr0.48Ti0.52)O3 ceramics with variation of sintering time

Pb(Mn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–Pb(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–Pb(Zr_0.48Ti_0.52)O₃ (abbreviated as PMN–PZN–PZT) ceramics containing Li₂CO₃, Bi₂O₃ and CuO as sintering aids were fabricated using two-stage calcinations method in order to develop low temperature sintering ceramics for multilayer piezoelectric actuators. Their dielectric and piezoelectric properties were investigated according to the variation of sintering time. All the specimens sintered at 930°C for 60~150 min showed tetragonal phases without secondary phases. Electromechanical coupling factor (kp), dielectric constant (ε _r) and piezoelectric constant (d ₃₃) increased with the increase of the sintering time. The mechanical quality factor (Qm) exhibited maximum of 1,815 with the increase of sintering time for 120 min and then slightly decreased. At the sintering temperature of 930°C and the sintering time of 120 min, the optimal values such as the density of 7.69 g/cm³, kp of 0.516, ε _r of 1158, Qm of 1815, and d ₃₃ of 287 pC/N were found for multilayer piezoelectric actuators.     

Piezoelectric and dielectric characteristics of low-temperature-sintering Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3–Pb(Ni1/3Nb2/3)O3–Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics according to the amount of PNN substitution

In this study, in order to develop low-temperature-sintering ceramics for multilayer piezoelectric actuator, Pb(Mg_1/2W_1/2)O₃–Pb(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–Pb(Zr,Ti)O₃ (abbreviated as PMW–PNN–PZT) ceramics were fabricated using Li₂CO₃ and CaCO₃ as sintering aids and their dielectric and piezoelectric properties were investigated with the amount of Pb(Ni_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (abbreviated as PNN) substitution. PMW–PNN–PZT composition ceramics could be sintered up to 870°C by adding sintering aids. At the sintering temperature of 900°C, electromechanical coupling factor (k _p), piezoelectric constant (d ₃₃) and Curie temperature (Tc) in the composition ceramics with 9 ;mol% PNN substitution showed the optimal value of 0.64 517 ;pC/N and 317°C, respectively for multilayer actuator application.