A comparative study of lead-free (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti0.9Zr0.08Sn0.02)O3 ceramics prepared by conventional sintering and microwave sintering techniques

A comparative study on the lead-free ((Ba0.85Ca0.15) (Ti0.9Zr0.08Sn0.02)O-3 (BCZTS)) piezoelectric ceramics prepared by conventional sintering (CS) and microwave sintering (MWS) techniques has been conducted. Samples fabricated by CS and MWS techniques showed pure ABO3 perovskite structure in XRD patterns. High-density ceramic materials were obtained in both CS and MWS ceramics. The microstructure of MWS samples is more homogeneous and less porous than CS samples. In addition, the grain size of MWS specimens is larger than the CS one at the same temperature. The piezoelectric property of both samples was measured, the result showed that both d33 and k(p) were higher for MWS samples compared to CS samples. The dielectric property of both samples was measured in the frequency range of 100 Hz1 MHz. The typical relaxor behavior was observed in both types of samples confirmed by diffuse phase transition and frequency dispersion. T-c of MWS ceramics was lower than CS ceramics when 1220 degrees C <= T <= 1340 degrees C, while T-c of MWS ceramics was higher than CS ceramics when T = 1380 degrees C. The ferroelectric property was tested at 3 kV and 1 Hz, the result exhibited that both CS and MWS ceramics were good ferroelectric materials.