Abstract

This investigation highlights the influence of isovalent Sr 2+ on acceptor Fe 3+ modified PLZT for microstructure and its effect on dielectric and piezoelectric properties [Pb 0.985-y La 0.015Sr y] [(Zr 0.538Ti 0.462 ) 0.985Fe 0.015]O 3where y = 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mol% nanocrystalline solid solutions near morphotrophic phase boundary were synthesized by solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that Sr increment resulted in strong tetragonality. Grain size and apparent density enhanced up to y = 1.5 mol%. TEM studies indicated that average particle size ranged from 23 to 68 nm. PLSZFT compositions attained optimum ε RT, d 33, and k p at y = 1.5 mol%, respectively which could be suitable for possible piezoelectric applications. The influence of grain size on dielectric and piezoelectric properties are reported. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007.