Effect of SrO on piezoelectric, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of (Ba sub(1-x) Sr sub(x)) (Ti sub(0.98) Zr sub(0.02))O sub(3) lead free piezoceramics

Effect of SrO on piezoelectric, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of (Ba sub(1-x) Sr sub(x)) (Ti sub(0.98) Zr sub(0.02))O sub(3), (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02 and 0.03 mol) lead free piezoceramics was studied. The powders were prepared by "mixed oxide" route, calcined at 1,000 degree C for 4 h. XRD patterns of the calcined powders confirm the orthorhombic phase. The calcined powders were de-agglomerated, pressed into pellets and sintered at 1,150 degree C for 3 h. Scanning electron microscopy studies of thermally etched sintered pellets show increase in the grain size with the increase in SrO concentration. The piezoelectric charge constant (d sub(33) = 330 pC/N), dielectric constant (K = 2,337) and remnant polarization (P sub(r) = 4.69 mu C/cm super(2)) were maximum for 0.015 mol of SrO. The temperature versus dielectric constant graph was plotted for 0.015 mol SrO doped BZT and the Curie temperature was found to be 116 degree C.