Influence of microwave sintering on electric properties for (Ba, Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3 based lead free piezoelectric ceramics

For the last decades, lead piezoelectric ceramics, PbZr(1-x)TixO3 (PZT), are used like transducers, sensors, etc. Giant piezoelectric properties (≈ 700 pC/N) and a high Curie temperature (≈ 360°C) near the morphotropic... [ view full abstract ]

For the last decades, lead piezoelectric ceramics, PbZr_(1-x)Ti_xO₃ (PZT), are used like transducers, sensors, etc.

Giant piezoelectric properties (≈ 700 pC/N) and a high Curie temperature (≈ 360°C) near the morphotropic phase boundary (x ≈ 0.5) characterize these materials. More recently, an upward surge occurs to explore lead-free based piezoelectric materials for many technological applications, as lead is toxic and non-environmental friendly. One of them is modified BaTiO₃ as (1-x)Ba(Ti_0.8Zr_0.2)O₃-x(Ba_0.7Ca_0.3)TiO₃ (abbreviated as BCTZ) which exhibits high piezoelectric constant but a low Curie temperature. However, the applications concerning these materials are restricted compared in PZT. Nevertheless, they are promising candidates for specific applications like room-temperature sensors.

The purpose of this work is to investigate the influence of the microwave sintering on electric properties and microstructure. A previous work has been conducted on the optimization of the ceramic process (solid state route, attrition milling, calcination, sintering, poling) and on the determination of crystalline structure at room temperature by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.