FERROELECTRIC AND PIEZOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF Gd3+ AND Y3+ MODIFIED PKN ELECTROCERAMICS

Abstract

Ceramics with the composition Pb 1-x K 2x-3y M y Nb 2 O 6 (PKMN) with x = 0.29, y = 0.145 and M = Gd 3+, Y 3+ were synthesized by the solid-state reaction route between the corresponding oxides and carbonates. The crystal structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The temperature dependence of dielectric properties were measured from 35 to 595°C. Well-developed P–E (polarization–electric field) hysteresis loops were observed in the materials. Determining the piezoelectric constants, Kp = 20%, Kt = 49%, d33 = 110, and quality factor, Qm = 33, reveals that the material Y 3+-modified PKN can be useful for transducer applications.