0.90(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–0.05(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3– 0.05BaTiO3 transducer for ultrasonic wirebonding applications

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramic 0.90(Bi_1/2Na_1/2)TiO₃–0.05(Bi_1/2K_1/2)TiO₃–0.05BaTiO₃ (BNKBT-5) rings (OD=12.7 mm, ID=5.1 mm and 2.3-mm thick) were fabricated and characterized. Four ceramic rings were used as the driving element in an ultrasonic wirebonding transducer and the performance of the transducer was characterized. The lead-free transducer was found to have comparable voltage rise and fall times as a lead-based PZT transducer and has a relatively large vibration amplitude, thus showing that BNKBT-5 has the potential to be used in fabricating lead-free ultrasonic wirebonding transducers. PACS 77.22.Ej; 77.84.-s; 85.50.-n     

Electromechanical and ferroelectric properties of (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3- (Bi1/2Li1/2)TiO3-BaTiO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics for accelerometer application

Lead-free (0.90-x)(Bi_1/2Na_1/2)TiO₃-0.05(Bi_1/2K_1/2)TiO₃-x(Bi_1/2Li_1/2)TiO₃-0.05BaTiO₃ piezoelectric ceramics (abbreviated as BNKLBT-100x, with x ranged from 0 to 2.5 mol %) were prepared by a conventional mixed oxide method. Effects of the amount of (Bi_1/2Li_1/2)TiO₃ (BLT) on the electrical properties and crystal structure of the BNKLBT ceramics were examined. BNKLBT-1.5 ceramics have good properties with piezoelectric constant d₃₃=163 pC/N, electromechanical coupling factor k_p=0.33, k_t=0.53, relative permittivity ε_r=785 and dissipation factor cosδ=2.2% at 1 kHz. The sample has larger remnant polarization than BNKLBT-0 ceramics and the same coercive field as BNKLBT-0 ceramics. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the incorporated BLT diffuses into the BNT–BKT–BT lattice to form a solid solution during sintering, but changes the crystal structure from rhombohedral to tetragonal symmetry at higher BLT amounts. Depolarization temperature (T_d) of the BNKLBT-100x ceramics increases from 102 °C to ∼136 °C for BNKLBT-0 to BNKLBT-2.5. BNKLBT-1.5 is used as the transduction element in compressive type accelerometer and its sensitivity is calibrated by the back-to back method. Within the ±2.5% tolerance, the lead-free accelerometer has a mean value of 2.97 pC/ms^-2 within 50 Hz–12.45 kHz and the lead-based accelerometer has a mean value of 4.34 pC/ms^-2 within 50 Hz to 8.24 kHz. PACS 77.22.Ej; 77.84.-s; 85.50.-n     

Microstructure and piezoelectric properties of Bi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5TiO3−NaSbO3 ceramics

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (1−x)Bi_0.5(Na_0.82K_0.18)_0.5TiO₃−xNaSbO₃ have been prepared by a conventional ceramics technique, and their microstructure and electrical properties have been investigated. The addition of NaSbO₃ has no remarkable effect on the crystal structure within the studied doping content; however, an obvious change in microstructure took place. With increase in NaSbO₃ content, the temperature from a ferroelectric to antiferroelectric phase transition increases, and the temperature for a transition from antiferroelectric phases to paraelectric phases changes insignificantly. Simultaneously, the temperature range between the rhombohedral phase transition point and the Curie temperature point becomes smaller. The piezoelectric properties significantly increase with increase in NaSbO₃ content and the piezoelectric constant and electromechanical coupling factor attain maximum values of d₃₃=160 pC/N and k_p=0.333 at x=0.01. The results indicate that (1−x)Bi_0.5(Na_0.82K_0.18)_0.5TiO₃−xNaSbO₃ ceramic is a promising lead-free piezoelectric candidate material.     

Phase transition,dielectric and piezoelectric properties of NaNbO3–Bi0.5Li0.5TiO3 lead-free ceramics

Lead-free ceramics (1?x)NaNbO₃–xBi_0.5Li_0.5TiO₃ have been fabricated by an ordinary sintering technique, and their electric properties and temperature characteristics have been studied. All the ceramics possess a perovskite structure with orthorhombic symmetry, indicating that (Bi_0.5Li_0.5)TiO₃ diffuses into NaNbO₃ lattices to form a new solid solution. A low (Bi_0.5Li_0.5)TiO₃ doping level transforms the NaNbO₃ ceramics from antiferroelectric to ferroelectric. The ceramics with x ≤ 0.075 are normal ferroelectric, and the ferroelectric-paraelectric phase become diffusives with the doping level of Bi_0.5Li_0.5TiO₃ increasing. As x increases, the Curie temperature of the ceramics decreases linearly, while the relative permittivity ε_r increases. 0.925NaNbO₃–0.075(Bi_0.5Li_0.5)TiO₃ ceramic exhibits the relatively large piezoelectric constant (d₃₃ = 58 pC/N), high Curie temperature (T_C = 228 °C) and good temperature stability, suggesting that the ceramics are one of new possible candidates for lead-free piezoelectric materials.     

非化学计量和掺杂对(Na1/2Bi1/2)0.92Ba0.08TiO3陶瓷电性能的影响

研究了非化学计量和掺杂对无铅压电陶瓷(Na_1/2Bi_1/2)_0.92Ba_0.08TiO₃的压电性能及去极化温度的影响.研究发现A位非化学计量可以提高陶瓷的压电性能;B位掺杂对材料电学性能的影响规律类似于Pb(Ti,Zr)O₃系压电陶瓷的相关规律;由于非化学计量和掺杂会影响到A位离子对B位离子与氧离子形成的BO₆八面体的耦合作用,影响到畴的稳定性,从而影响 关键词： 无铅压电陶瓷 非化学计量 掺杂 电性能     

Lead-free transducer for non-destructive evaluation

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with the formula 0.90(Bi_0.5Na_0.5)TiO₃ - 0.05(Bi_0.5K_0.5)TiO₃ - 0.015(Bi_0.5Li_0.5)TiO₃-0.05BaTiO₃ (abbreviated as BNKLBT-1.5) were prepared by a conventional mixed-oxide method. A disc of this material was fabricated and used to construct an ultrasonic transducer suitable for use in non-destructive evaluation (NDE). Using a laser vibrometer, it was observed that both BNKLBT and PZT exhibited a surface displacement pattern indicative of coupling of the radial mode vibration with the thickness mode vibration. This is consistent with the measurements of electrical impedance vs frequency which showed that for both discs a strong radial mode with many harmonics was clearly observed and many (usually undesired) modes existed near the thickness mode resonance frequency. The discs were mounted in stainless steel housings with appropriate electrical connections to form transducers. Tungsten/epoxy backing was incorporated to provide a very short ring-down time, a characteristic required for many NDE applications. The characteristics of the BNKLBT transducer were quite similar to that of a PZT transducer of similar structure, showing that this lead-free material has the potential to replace PZT in transducers for NDE applications. PACS 43.20.Tb; 43.20.Ye; 43.35.Zc; 43.35.Yb; 43.38.Ar; 43.35.Fx     

Large piezoresponse of lead-free Bi0.5(Na0.85K0.15)0.5TiO3 thin film

0.85Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃-0.15Bi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃ (BNKT15) lead-free thin films were prepared on Pt(111)/TiO₂/SiO₂/Si(100) substrates by the chemical solution deposition method. BNKT15 are MPB composition in the Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃-Bi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃ (BNT-BKT) system. The maximum piezoelectric coefficient (d_33,f) value of BNKT15 thin film is approximately 75 pm/V, which is comparable to that of polycrystalline PZT thin films. These results suggest that BNKT15 thin film can be used as an alternative for PZT films in piezoelectric micro-electromechanical systems.     

Phase formation and electrical properties of BNLT–BZT lead-free piezoelectric ceramic system

Phase formation study in lead-free piezoelectric ceramics based on lanthanum doped bismuth sodium titanate (Bi_0.4871Na_0.4871La_0.0172TiO₃:BNLT) and zirconium doped barium titanate (BaZr_0.05Ti_0.95O₃:BZT), has been carried out in the system of (1−x)BNLT–xBZT where x = 0.0–1.0, by two-step mixed oxide method. It was observed that the addition of BZT in the BNLT ceramics developed the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics with the optimum piezoelectric constant (d₃₃) and dielectric constant (ε_r) at room temperature of about 138 pC/N and 1651, respectively, from the 0.2 BNLT to 0.8 BZT ceramic sample. The Curie temperature (T_C) of this ceramic was found at 295 °C which is 195 °C higher than that of pure BZT ceramics, promising the use of this ceramic in a higher range of temperature.     

Enhanced piezoelectric properties of off-stoichiometric strontium bismuth tantalate Sr0.8Bi2.2Ta2O9 ceramics

The piezoelectric properties of strontium bismuth tantalate SrBi₂Ta₂O₉ (SBT) ceramics were enhanced by introducing off-stoichiometry into the starting materials. Sr-deficient and Bi-excess SBT, Sr_0.8Bi_2.2Ta₂O₉ (S_0.8B_2.2T), ceramic samples were prepared by a conventional ceramic technique. The optimum poling conditions (temperature T_p, time t_p, and electric field E_p) were investigated for the piezoelectric measurement. All the obtained independent electromechanical coupling factors of the S_0.8B_2.2T dense ceramics were as follows: k_p=10.6, k₃₁=6.8, k₃₃=14.0, k₁₅=7.8, and k_t=16.2%. The physical constants of the S_0.8B_2.2T ceramics were also determined. The piezoelectric constants were d₃₃=13.0, d₃₁=6.0, and d₁₅=10.2 pC/N. PACS 77.84.Dy; 61.66.Fn; 77.65.-j     

Structure, electrical properties and temperature characteristics of?Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–Bi0.5K0.5TiO3–Bi0.5Li0.5TiO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

(1−x−y)Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃–xBi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃– yBi_0.5Li_0.5TiO₃ lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been prepared by an ordinary sintering technique, and their structure, electrical properties, and temperature characteristics have been studied systematically. The ceramics can be well-sintered at 1050–1150 °C. The increase in K⁺ concentration decreases the grain-growth rate and promotes the formation of grains with a cubic shape, while the addition of Li⁺ decreases greatly the sintering temperature and assists in the densification of BNT-based ceramics. The results of XRD diffraction show that K⁺ and Li⁺ diffuse into the Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ lattices to form a solid solution with a pure perovskite structure. As x increases from 0.05 to 0.50, the ceramics transform gradually from rhombohedral phase to tetragonal phase and consequently a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) is formed at 0.15≤x≤0.25. The concentration y of Li⁺ has no obvious influence on the crystal structure of the ceramics. Compared with pure Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃, the partial substitution of K⁺ and Li⁺ for Na⁺ lowers greatly the coercive field E _c and increases the remanent polarization P _r of the ceramics. Because of the MPB, lower E _c and large P _r, the piezoelectricity of the ceramics is improved significantly. For the ceramics with the compositions near the MPB (x=0.15–0.25 and y=0.05–0.10), the piezoelectric properties become optimum: piezoelectric coefficient d ₃₃=147–231 pC/N and planar electromechanical coupling factor k _P=20.2–41.0%. In addition, the ceramics exhibit relaxor characteristic, which probably results from the cation disordering in the 12-fold coordination sites. The depolarization temperature T _d shows a strong dependence on the concentration x of K⁺ and reaches the lowest values at the MPB. The temperature dependences of the ferroelectric and dielectric properties at high temperatures may imply that the ceramics may contain both the polar and non-polar regions at temperatures above T _d.     

Non-interferometric transient quantitative phase microscopy for ultrafast engineering

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics Bi_0.5(Na_1-x-yK_xAg_y)_0.5TiO₃ [BNKAT(x/y)] have been synthesized by the mixed oxide method. The effects of the amount of K⁺ and Ag⁺ on the electrical properties were examined. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that K⁺ and Ag⁺ ions partially substitute for the Na⁺ ions in Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ and form a solid solution during sintering. At room temperature, the ceramics exhibit good performances with piezoelectric constant d₃₃=189 pC/N, electromechanical coupling factor k_p=35.0%, remanent polarization P_r=39.5 μC/cm², and coercive field E_c=3.3 kV/mm, respectively. The curves of the dielectric constant ε_r and loss tangent tan δ versus temperature show that the transition temperature from ferroelectric to anti-ferroelectric phase decreases with increasing the K⁺ content for the compositions researched. The dependencies of k_p and polarization versus electric (P–E) hysteresis loops on temperature reveal that the depolarization temperature T_d of BNKAT(0.15/0.015) ceramics, which have good piezoelectric properties (d₃₃=134 pC/N, k_p=32.5%) and strong ferroelectricity (P_r=39.5 μC/cm², E_c=4.1 kV/mm) at room temperature, is above 160 °C. PACS 77.22.-d; 77.65.Bn; 77.80.Bh; 77.80.Dj; 77.84.Dy     

Piezoelectric properties of new ternary Bi1/2(Na, Li)1/2TiO3–(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3–Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3 ceramics

0.852[Bi_1/2(Na_1?x Li _x )_1/2]TiO₃?C0.110(Bi_1/2K_1/2)TiO₃?C0.038Ba_0.85Ca_0.15Ti_0.90Zr_0.10O₃ (BNLT?CBKT?CBCTZ-x) new ternary piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated by the conventional solid-state method, and their piezoelectric properties as a function of the Li content were mainly investigated. A?stable solid solution with a single perovskite structure has been formed, and the depolarization temperature (T _d) of these ceramics was identified by using the temperature dependence of the dielectric loss. The T _d value of these ceramics gradually decreases, while the T _m value increases with increasing the Li content. The dielectric constant increases and the dielectric loss decreases with increasing the Li content, and an enhanced piezoelectric behavior of d ₃₃??223 pC/N and k _p??35.2?% has been demonstrated in these ceramics with x=0.06.     

Effect of Li-substitution on piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of (Bi0.92Na0.92−xLix)0.5Ba0.06Sr0.02TiO3 lead-free ceramics

New lead-free ceramics (Bi_0.92Na_0.92−xLi_x)_0.5Ba_0.06Sr_0.02TiO₃ have been fabricated by a conventional ceramic technique and their electrical properties have been studied. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that Li⁺, Ba²⁺ and Sr²⁺ diffuse into the Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ lattices to form a new solid solution with a pure perovskite structure. The partial substitution of Li⁺ for Na⁺ increases the remanent polarization P_r of the ceramics. Because of the large P_r and low coercive field E_c, the ceramics with x = 0.075–0.125 exhibit excellent piezoelectric properties: d₃₃ = 189–235 pC/N, k_p = 33.6–36.3% and k_t = 51.6–54.3%. The ceramics exhibit relaxor behaviors after the substitution of Li⁺ for Na⁺. Our results also suggest that polar and non-polar phases may coexist in the ceramics at temperatures above the depolarization temperature T_d.     

Structure and electrical properties of Bi0.5(Na, K)0.5TiO3−BiGaO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

Lead-free piezoelectric ceramics (1 − x − y)Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃−xBi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃− yBiGaO₃ have been fabricated by an ordinary sintering technique, and their structure and electrical properties and depolarization temperature have been studied. The results of X-ray diffraction reveal that Bi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃ and BiGaO₃ diffuse into the Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ lattices to form a new solid solution with a pure perovskite structure. An obvious change in microstructure with increasing concentration of Bi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃ and BiGaO₃ was observed. The piezoelectric constant d₃₃ and the electromechanical coupling factor k_p of the ceramics attain maximum values of 165 pC/N and 0.346 at y = 0.01(x = 0.18) and x = 0.21(y = 0.01), respectively. The temperature dependence of dielectric constant indicates an obvious relaxor characteristic with strong frequency dependence of dielectric constant. The depolarization temperature decreased with increasing content of BiGaO₃ and first decreases and then increases with increasing amount of Bi_0.5K_0.5TiO₃.     

Structure, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of?(Bi0.98?xLa0.02Na1?x)0.5BaxTiO3 lead-free ceramics

Lead-free (Bi_0.98−x La_0.02Na_1−x )_0.5Ba _x TiO₃ ceramics have been prepared by an ordinary sintering technique and their structure, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties have been studied. The results of X-ray diffraction show that La²⁺ and Ba²⁺ diffuse into the Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ lattices to form a new solid solution with a pure perovskite structure, and a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) exists at 0.04<x<0.10. Compared with pure Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃ ceramics, the (Bi_0.98−x La_0.02Na_1−x )_0.5Ba _x TiO₃ ceramics possess much smaller coercive field E _c and larger remanent polarization P _r. Because of the low E _c (3.38 kV/mm), large P _r (46.2 μC/cm²) and the formation of the MPB of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases, the piezoelectric properties of the ceramics are significantly enhanced at x=0.06: d ₃₃=181 pC/N and k _p=36.3%. The depolarization temperature T _d reaches a minimum value near the MPB. The ceramics exhibit relaxor characteristic, which is probably a result from the cation disordering in the 12-fold coordination sites. The temperature dependences of the ferroelectric and dielectric properties suggest that the ceramics may contain both polar and non-polar regions at the temperatures above T _d.     

Microstructure,dielectric and piezoelectric properties of (K<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Na<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>)NbO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-Ba(Ti<Subscript>0.95</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>0.05</Subscript>)O<Subscript>3</Subscript> lead-free ceramics with CuO sintering aid

Using an ordinary ceramic fabrication technique, we fabricated lead-free (1-x)(K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃-xBa(Ti_0.95Zr_0.05)O₃ ceramics with CuO sintering aid . Ba(Ti_0.95Zr_0.05)O₃ diffuses into (K_0.5Na_0.5)NbO₃ to form a new solid solution. The ceramics with perovskite structure possess orthorhombic phase at x≤0.04 and become tetragonal phase at x≥0.06. Both the paraelectric cubic–ferroelectric tetragonal and the ferroelectric tetragonal–ferroelectric orthorhombic phase transition temperatures decrease with increasing the concentration of Ba(Ti_0.95Zr_0.05)O₃. The doping of CuO effectively promotes the densification of the ceramics. The coexistence of the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases at 0.04<x<0.06 and the improvement in sintering performances of the ceramics significantly enhance the piezoelectric and dielectric properties at room temperature. The ceramics with x=0.04–0.06 and y=0.75–1.50 possess excellent properties: d₃₃=119–185 pC/N, k_P=37–44%, k_t=35–49%, ε=341–1129, cosδ=0.7–4.4% and T_c=312–346 °C. PACS 77.65.-j; 77.84.Dy; 77.84.-s     

Lead-free KNLNT piezoelectric ceramics for high-frequency ultrasonic transducer application

This paper presents the latest development of a lead-free piezoelectric ceramic and its application to transducers suitable for high-frequency ultrasonic imaging. A lead-free piezoelectric ceramic with formula of (K_0.5Na_0.5)_0.97Li_0.03(Nb_0.9 Ta_0.1)O₃ (abbreviated as KNLNT-0.03/0.10) was fabricated and characterized. The material was found to have a clamped dielectric constant ε₃₃^S/ε₀ = 890, piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃ = 245 pC/N, electromechanical coupling factor k_t = 0.42 and Curie temperature T_c > 300 °C. High-frequency (40 MHz) ultrasound transducers were successfully fabricated with the lead-free material. A representative lead-free transducer had a bandwidth of 45%, two-way insertion loss of -18 dB. This performance is comparable to reported performances of popular lead-based transducers. The comparison results suggest that the lead-free piezoelectric material may serve as an alternative to lead-based piezoelectric materials for high-frequency ultrasonic transducer applications.     

Dielectric properties and electrical conduction of La2O3-doped (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 ceramics

La₂O₃ (2 wt%)-doped (Bi_0.5Na_0.5)_0.94Ba_0.06TiO₃ (abbreviated as BNBT6) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that La₂O₃ has diffused into the lattice of BNBT6 ceramics and formed a solid solution with a pure perovskite structure. Addition of La₂O₃ decreased the piezoelectric properties and electrical conductivity. It was used to study the electrical conductivity of the La₂O₃-doped BNBT6 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics combined with electrical modulus and impedance plots at the temperature range over 788–873 K. The values of activation energy derived from the electrical impedance and modulus were found to be 0.51 and 0.50 eV, respectively. The discrepancy between activation energy of relaxation frequency and the activation energy (0.25 eV) of dc electrical conductivity might have been due to a short-range migration or hopping of single ionized oxygen vacancy and a long-range migration or hopping of charge carriers over the whole disordered system, respectively.     

Electromechanical properties and dielectric behavior of (Bi1/2Na1/2)(1−1.5x)BixTiO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

Bismuth doped bismuth sodium titanate ceramics [(Bi_1/2Na_1/2)_(1−1.5x)Bi_xTiO₃, x=0 to 0.06] were prepared, and the resulting effects on the microstructure and dielectric properties were examined. All of the Bi-doped ceramics exhibited a single phase of perovskite structure with rhombohedral symmetry. The poling leakage current was significantly reduced by the doping of Bi, facilitating the poling process of the ceramics. The doping with Bi enhances the piezoelectric properties and increases the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss of the ceramics. At 2 mol% Bi-doping level, the ceramics exhibit a large remanent polarization of 47 μC/cm² and a relatively low coercive field of 71 kV/cm, while their d₃₃ and k_p reach a maximum value of 95 pC/N and 21%, respectively.     

Properties of non-stoichiometric 0.935(K0.5+xNa0.5+x)NbO3-0.065LiSbO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

0.935(K_0.5+xNa_0.5+x)NbO₃-0.065LiSbO₃ lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by normal sintering, and their piezoelectric and dielectric properties were investigated by varying the compensating amount x of alkaline elements (Na and K) addition. It was found that the crystal structure changed from tetragonal to orthorhombic with increasing x from −0.010 to 0.010. An MPB was tailored by optimizing the alkaline elements contents. Enhanced electrical and electromechanical responses of d₃₃=253 pC/N, k_p=0.47, k_t=0.45 and tanδ=0.027 were obtained in the ceramics with x=0.005. These excellent piezoelectric and electromechanical properties indicate that this system may be an attractive lead-free material for a wide range of electro-mechanical transducer applications.