Structural, microstructural and thermal properties of lead-free bismuth–sodium–barium–titanate piezoceramics synthesized by mechanical alloying

Bismuth–sodium–barium–titanate piezoceramics with a composition of (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 (BNBT) were prepared by mechanical alloying (MA). Structural analysis and phase identification were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructural studies and chemical composition homogeneity were performed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Furthermore, thermal properties of the as-milled powders were evaluated by thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). During the initial milling, the constituents were transformed to the perovskite, pyrochlore, and BNT phases; in addition, partial amorphization of the structure appeared during the milling cycle. As MA progressed, transformation of pyrochlore-to-perovskite and crystallization of the amorphous phase occurred and also, the BNBT phase was significantly developed. It was found that the MA process has the ability to synthesize the BNBT powders with a submicron particle size, regular morphology, and uniform elemental distribution.

Graphical abstractMechano-synthesis of lead-free (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 piezoceramics with nanocrystalline/amorphous structure and homogeneous composition: partial transformation of constituents to BNBT, BNT and pyrochlore, amorphous phase formation, mechano-crystallization of the amorphous, pyrochlore-to-perovskite BNBT phase transformation during the process.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Perovskite BNBT powders with homogeneous composition were synthesized by MA. ► Partial transformation of constituents to BNBT, BNT and pyrochlore occurred by MA. ► Formation of an amorphous phase and afterwards its crystallization occurred by MA. ► Pyrochlore-to-perovskite BNBT phase transformation occurred after prolong milling. ► Polymorphic transformations of TiO2 act as the main alloying impediment during MA.