Electric field-induced ergodic transition and enhanced strain in B-site modified 0.94(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3–0.06(Ba0.85Ca0.15ZrxTi1-x)O₃ ceramics
摘要
0.94(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3–0.06(Ba0.85Ca0.15ZrxTi1-x)O3 (0.94NBT–0.06BCZxT1-x), where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20 lead-free piezoceramics were prepared via the solid-state reaction route. The Rietveld refinement results indicated the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases in the composition range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10 and a tetragonal phase for x = 0.15 and 0.20 compositions. The microstructural analysis shows that the average grain size increases with increasing Zr content. The relaxor properties of the materials were characterized by temperature- and frequency-dependent dielectric, electric field-induced polarization, and strain measurements, as functions of composition. Temperature dependent dielectric measurements indicate that the maximum dielectric constant (εr) increases at x = 0.15 and subsequently decreases. The temperature at maximum dielectric constant, low dielectric loss (tan δ), and maximum strain can be obtained at x = 0.20. The Zr/Ti modification at the B-site in 0.94NBT–0.06BCZxT1-x significantly affects the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and strain properties. The constriction in the P–E loops and the absence of negative strain in the bipolar strain measurements for the 0.94NBT–0.06BCZ0.20T0.80 confirm that the Zr/Ti modification significantly disrupts the ferroelectric order. These results indicate that 0.94NBT–0.06BCZ0.20T0.80 induces an ergodic relaxor state and improves strain response, which makes it suitable for electromechanical actuator applications.