Enhanced d33 value of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–(Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O3 lead-free ceramics

(1 − x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–x(Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.90Zr0.10)O3 [(1 − x)BNT–xBCTZ] lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by a conventional solid reaction method. A stable solid solution is well formed between BNT and BCTZ. The ɛr increases, and the Tm, Td, and the density slightly decrease with increasing BCTZ content. Moreover, the d33 value of (1 − x)BNT–xBCTZ ceramics with x = 0.06 demonstrates a temperature independence and a poling electric field dependence. (1 − x)BNT–xBCTZ ceramics with x = 0.06 exhibit an optimum electrical behavior: d33 ∼ 158 pC/N, kp ∼ 31.2%, and ɛr ∼ 1165, which is much better than that of pure BNT ceramic. As a result, (1 − x)BNT–xBCTZ ceramics are a promising candidate material for the piezoelectric device.

► A stable solid solution between BNT and BCTZ is formed.
► Temperature independence and poling electric field dependence of d33.
► d33 ∼ 158 pC/N and kp ∼ 31.2% for 0.94BNT–0.06BCTZ.