Synthesis and properties of (BaxPb1−x)(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 relaxor ferroelectric ceramics using a reaction-sintering process

(BaxPb1−x)(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (BPZN; x = 0.06-0.1) relaxor ferroelectric ceramics produced using a reaction-sintering process were investigated. Without any calcination involved, the mixture of raw materials was pressed and sintered directly. BPZN ceramics of 100% perovskite phase were obtained. Highly dense BPZN ceramics with a density higher than 98.5% of theoretical density could be obtained. Maximum dielectric constant Kmax 13,500 (at 75 °C), 19,600 (at 50 °C) and 14,800 (at 28 °C) at 1 kHz could be obtained in 6BPZN, 8BPZN and 10BPZN, respectively. Dielectric maximum temperature (Tmax) in BPZN ceramics via reaction-sintering process is lower than BPZN ceramics prepared via B-site precursor route.