The lead-free pseudo-ternary system BaTiO₃-BaZrO₃-CaTiO₃, known as BCZT, is one of the most promising candidates to replace the commercially dominating PZT (Lead Zirconium Titanate) thanks to its high d₃₃ (up to 620pC/N) [1]. Despite its environmentally friendly nature, it has some drawbacks, such as a relatively low Curie point (?100°C) and high synthesis (up to 1350°C) and sintering temperatures (up to 1500°C) [2]. In this respect, obtaining high-sensitivity BCZT ceramics using the solid-state route (SSR) and a low thermal budget, approaching to those reported for sol-gel synthesis, is a challenging research topic [3]. In such context, this study aims at evaluating the influence of optimal synthesis and sintering conditions on the electrical properties of (Ba_0.92Ca_0.08Ti_0.95Zr_0.05) O₃ ceramics. A combination of thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dielectric and electromechanical properties measurements will be used to assess the key parameters in the design of the optimal processing steps leading to microstructure optimization, resulting in optimized piezoelectric properties.
References
[1] Liu, W.; Ren, X. Large Piezoelectric Effect in Pb-Free Ceramics. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2009, 103, 257602. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.257602.
[2] Villafuerte-Castrejón, M.E.; Morán, E.; Reyes-Montero, A.; Vivar-Ocampo, R.; Peña-Jiménez, J.A.; Rea-López, S.O.; Pardo, L. Towards Lead-Free Piezoceramics: Facing a Synthesis Challenge. Materials 2016, 9, 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma9010021.
[3] Wang, Z.; Wang, J.; Chao, X.; Wei, L.; Yang, B.; Wang, D.; Yang, Z. Synthesis, Structure, Dielectric, Piezoelectric, and Energy Storage Performance of (Ba_0.85Ca_0.15) (Ti_0.9Zr_0.1)O₃ Ceramics Prepared by Different Methods. J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Electron. 2016, 27, 5047–5058. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-016-4392-x.