Piezoelectric properties of (1-x)(Na0.5K0.5)NbO 3-xAgSbO3 lead-free ceramics

Abstract

(1-x)(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3-xAgSbO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by normal sintering. The effects of the AgSbO3 on the phase structure and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics were systematically studied. These results show that the AgSbO 3-modified (K0.50Na0.50)NbO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics form stable solution with orthorhombic structure, and the Curie temperature and the polymorphic phase transition of the ceramics decreased with increasing AgSbO3. The result shows that the piezoelectric properties of the ceramics strongly depend on the AgSbO 3. The ceramics with x=0.05 possess optimum properties (d 33=192 pC/N, kp=43%, Tc=348°C, T o-t=145°C, εr∼632, and tan δ ∼3.5%). These results indicate that the ceramic is a promising candidate material for lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. © 2009 The American Ceramic Society.