Effects of calcination temperature on the piezoelectric properties of lead-free Ag doped (Na,K)NbO3–LiTaO3 piezoelectric ceramics

The effects of calcinations temperature on the piezoelectric properties were investigated by employing the lead free piezoelectric Ag doped 0.95(Na0.52K0.48)NbO3–0.05LiTaO3 ceramics. Ag doped 0.95(Na0.52K0.48)NbO3–0.05LiTaO3 ceramics were prepared by employing the conventional mixed oxide method. The crystal structures and microstructure of Ag doped 0.95(Na0.52K0.48)NbO3–0.05LiTaO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were examined by varying the calcination temperature from 750 to 950 °C by X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy measurement. The effects of calcination temperature on the microstructure, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties were systematically investigated. The dielectric and electrical properties of Ag doped 0.95(Na0.52K0.48)NbO3–0.05LiTaO3 ceramics were measured from 1 kHz to 1 MHz at various calcination temperatures. We expect that an optimized calcination condition can improve the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of Ag doped 0.95(Na0.52K0.48)NbO3–0.05LiTaO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics.

► Optimized calcinations process can improve the piezoelectric and structural properties.
► Clear SEM images proved that calcinations temperature made effects on the grain size.
► Ag dopants can improve the crystalline properties of (Na0.52K0.48)NbO3–LiTaO3 ceramics.