Phase Transition Temperatures and Piezoelectric Properties of (Bi_1/2Na_1/2)TiO₃–(Bi_1/2K_1/2)TiO₃–BaTiO₃ Lead-Free Piezoelectric Ceramics

Abstract

The phase transition temperatures of x(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–y(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3–zBaTiO3) [x+y+z=1, y:z=2:1] [abbreviate to BNBK2:1(x)] ceramics were investigated using electrical measurements. We discussed the determination of the depolarization temperature, Td, and defined the Td for (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3 (BNT)-based solid solutions. We also determined the rhombohedral–tetragonal phase transition temperatures, TR–T, for BNBK2:1(x), and verified them using dielectric and piezoelectric measurements. It was demonstrated that TR–T corresponded with Td at x=0.94. The existence of an intermediate phase with ferroelectric and antiferroelectric properties at temperatures higher than the Td around the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) was also revealed.