In this study, PZT/xBNT (x ¼ 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 wt%.) ceramics
were successfully fabricated by a solid-state mixed-oxide method.
The optimum sintering temperature for this ceramic system was
found to be 1200 C at which all samples had relative densities at
least 96% of their theoretical values. X-ray diffraction analysis of the
ceramics indicated that the addition of BNT into PZT ceramics
caused a slight change in lattice parameters and phases. BNT was
also found to inhibit the grain growth which directly resulted in
a reduction of grain size for all sintering temperatures. The dielectric
constant at room temperature was found to be substantially
improved with an addition>0.1 wt% BNT. The addition BNT into PZT
ceramic also affected their ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties.
The maximum piezoelectric coefficient values were observed
in pure PZT ceramic and were slightly decreased in BNT-added
samples. From this view point, it could be seen that the suitable
content of added BNT could optimize dielectric, ferroelectric and
piezoelectric properties of PZT ceramic.