Dielectric and electrical properties of a tungsten bronze tantalate ceramic

Using high temperature solid state reaction the polycrystalline sample of K2Pb2Dy2W2Ti4Ta4O30 was prepared. Single-phase compound formation was confirmed by preliminary X-ray structural analysis. The surface morphology recorded by scanning electron microscope at room temperature exhibits a dense uniform grain distribution on the surface of the sample. Ferroelectricity in the material is confirmed by the variation of polarization with temperature. The temperature and frequency dependence of electrical parameters (impedance, modulus, conductivity, etc.) of the material exhibits a strong correlation with its microstructure (i.e., bulk, grain boundary, etc.) and electrical properties. A typical Arrhenius behavior was observed in the temperature dependence of dc conductivity. The nature of frequency dependence of ac conductivity obeys Jonscher's universal power law. The variation of current with temperature shows that the material has high pyroelectric coefficient and figure of merit, thus making it useful for pyroelectric sensors with working temperature upto 500 °C.

► The material has relatively high dielectric constant and good ferroelectric property.
► The grain and grain boundary effects are prominent in the impedance plots.
► The impedance and modulus data match the theoretical formulae.
► High pyroelectric coefficient and figure of merit, useful as sensors.
► The material has high transition temperature.