Crystal Structure and Electrical Characteristics of (0.965)(Li0.03(Na0.5K0.5)0.97)(Nb1−xSbx)O3−0.035(Bi0.5Na0.5)0.9(Sr)0.1ZrO3 Ceramics Doped with CuO, B2O3, and ZnO

Abstract

Recently, the need has arisen to enhance the piezoelectric properties and temperature stability of (Na,K)NbO3 system ceramics. The (0.965)(Li0.03(Na0.5K0.5)0.97)(Nb1−xSbx)O3−0.035 (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.9(Sr)0.1ZrO3 ceramics were newly manufactured using the sintering aids of CuO, B2O3, and ZnO as a function of antimony substitution, and the their crystal structure and electrical characteristics were analyzed. The grain size was apparently refined as the amount of antimony increased. The dielectric constant was enhanced and Curie temperature was decreased due to the content of the antimony substitution. The x = 0.07 sample sintered at 1060 °C presented the best electrical characteristics, which were bulk density = 4.488 g/cm3, piezoelectric constant d33 = 330 pC/N, electromechanical coupling factor kp = 0.427, mechanical coupling factor Qm = 61, and dielectric constant εr = 2521. We believe that the x = 0.07 sample is the best material for piezoelectric speakers.