Preparation and characterization of lead-free (K0.47Na0.51Li0.02)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3 piezoceramic/epoxy composites with 0–3 connectivity

Lead-free (K0.47Na0.51Li0.02)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3 (KNLNT) piezoceramic/epoxy composites with 0-3 connectivity were prepared by cold-pressing. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the composites were examined as a function of the mean particle size (D) within the range 27-174 micron at a fixed ceramic content of 85 vol%. The dielectric constant increased with D by the combined effects of increased connectivity and decreased surface-to-volume ratio of the ceramics. When D = 125 micron, the piezoelectric constant showed the highest value of 44 pC/N that was greater than that of previously reported lead-free piezoelectric 0-3 ceramic/polymer composites.