Dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric studies of neodymium-modified PLZNT ceramics for sensor and actuator applications

This paper highlights donor Nd-modified PLZNT Pb0.985La0.015Ndy][Zr0.524Ti0.476](0.99-(y/4))Nb0.005O3 ceramic compositions where y = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 mol% synthesized through solid-state reaction method were characterized for microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. Scanning electron microscopy studies exhibited grain growth inhibition and the room temperature dielectric constant enhanced with decreasing Curie temperature. It was observed that increasing Nd content with donor cations in A-site and B-site had influenced the ferroelectric properties, viz. remanent and spontaneous polarization. The optimum dielectric and piezoelectric properties (d(33) and k(p)) were observed in 1 mol% Nd-modified PLZNT composition which could be suitable for possible sensor and actuator applications. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.