A study on electrical properties of Praseodymium oxide doped Ba(Zr0.02Ti0.98)O3 ceramics

Praseodymium oxide (Pr6O11) (0.02 wt. %-0.06 wt. %) doped Ba (Zr0.02Ti0.98) O3 ceramics were synthesized by mixed oxide route using chemical precursors. The powders were calcined at 1100 degrees C for a duration of 4 h. After calcination, the powders were de-agglomerated followed by granulation using 2 wt. % polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The granules were pressed into pellets and subsequently sintered at 1450 degrees C for 2 h. Microstructure analysis revealed well-developed grains in all the pellets. Further the samples were electroded, poled and characterized. The maximum piezoelectric coefficient (d33) achieved was 354 pC/N for 0.02 wt. % Pr6O11 doped Ba(Zr0.02Ti0.98)O3 and a relatively high dielectric constant (K = 15117.2) measured at Curie temperature (Tc) and 100 Hz frequency for the same composition. Additionally, these samples exhibited a higher positive strain of 0.64% at an electric field of 27.13 kV/cm could be a suitable lead-free piezo material for high strain and actuation application.