Preparation and characterization of lead-free (K0.47Na0.51Li0.02)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3 piezoceramic/epoxy composites with 0–3 connectivity

Lead-free (K0.47Na0.51Li0.02)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3 (KNLNT) piezoceramic/epoxy composites with 0–3 connectivity were prepared using cold-pressing. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the composites were examined as a function of mean particle size (D) within the range of 27–174 μm at a fixed ceramic content of 85 vol%. The dielectric constant increased with D by the combined effects of increased connectivity and decreased surface-to-volume ratio of ceramics. When D = 125 μm, the piezoelectric constant showed a highest value of 44 pC/N that is much greater than those of previous reports on lead-free piezoelectric 0–3 ceramic/polymer composites.