Optimization of the sintering conditions of the system

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (K0.49Ka0.49Li0.02)NbO3 have been synthesized by solid state reaction. The effects of sintering temperature and atmosphere on phase structure, microstructure evolution and dielectric properties were investigated. The results show that neither sintering temperature nor atmosphere affects the phase structure. However, the morphological studies revealed differences between the microstructure of ceramics sintered in different conditions of temperature and atmosphere. Ceramic sintered at 1373 K in oxygen showed optimum relative density and excellent dielectric properties with low dielectric losses.