Piezoelectric properties of lead-free (1-x)(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3-xLi(Sb0.17Ta0.83)O-3 ceramics

Abstract

The (1-x)(Na0.44K0.52)Nb0.84O3-xLi(0.04)(Sb0.06Ta0.1)O-3 (0.01 <= x <= 0.05) lead free ceramics were prepared using a conventional mixed oxide method. Adding various contents of Li(Sb,Ta)O-3 to (Na,K)NbO3 makes it easy to conduct the sintering processes of pure (Na,K)NbO3 which is difficult to sinter. It was found that the piezoelectric properties of (1-x)NKN-xLST(x = 0.02) ceramic sintered at 1080 degrees C for 2 h has a piezoelectric constant and a planar electromechanical coupling coefficient of 159 pC/N and 38% respectively. It is found that the addition of LST can improve poling procedures of the ceramics because of substitution. These solid solution ceramics look attractive candidates for lead-free piezoelectric applications.