Ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of Pb1-x Ce x (Zr0.60Ti0.40)O,0 < = x < = 0.08

The ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of compositions Pb1-x Ce x (Zr0.60Ti0.40)O3, (x = 0.,0.0,0.0,0.0,0.06 and 0.08) are studied. The above compositions are prepared from their constituent oxides, calcined at 900 deg C for 4 h and various phases present are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The above powders are uniaxially pressed into circular compacts, sintered at 1,250 deg C for 2 h, electroded, poled at 2 kV/mm D.C. voltage and their electrical properties are measured. The XRD analysis shows the presence of rhombohedral phase up to 2 mol% ceria while tetragonal phase found at higher concentrations. It is observed that the ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric properties increase with the addition of ceria with a maximum at 2 mol% and then decreases. The higher piezo properties associated with low ceria concentration are attributed to rhombohedral phase.