Abstract

Ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of Pb1-xBa x(Zr0.532Ti0.468)O3 ceramic compositions for x ≤ 0 to 40 mole% were investigated. As Ba concentration increased, the microstructural studies revealed that grain growth was inhibited and apparent density decreased in PZT ceramics. The room temperature dielectric response (εRT) increased up to 30 mole% with low values of dielectric loss (tan δ). The ferroelectric properties (Pr, Ps and Ec) have shown a decreasing trend as Ba concentration increased from 0 to 40 mole% in the PZT system. The optimum piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33 ≤ 473 pC N-1), piezoelectric planar coupling coefficient (kp ≤ 0.584) and piezoelectric thickness coupling coefficient (kt ≤ 0.408) were found in 30 mole% Ba composition, respectively. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.