Enhanced electric-field-induced strain in 0.7Bi(1-x)SmxFeO3-0.3BaTiO3 lead-free ceramics

Piezoelectric actuators play an important role in modern electronic devices. In this work, 0.7Bi((1-x))Sm(x)FeO(3)-0.3BaTiO(3) lead-free piezo-ceramics are fabricated through the rapid thermal quenching technique for enhancing the electric-field-induced strain response. All the ceramic samples own a typical perovskite structure, and the morphotropic phase boundary can be achieved after Sm substitution. Additionally, a high T-C of 403 degrees C and excellent ferroelectricity can be obtained at room temperature for the x = 0.03 composition, together with a large peak-to-peak strain value ( increment S = 0.5%). Furthermore, a larger strain value increment S of 0.45% at 150 degrees C can also be realized in 0.7Bi(0.95)Sm(0.05)FeO(3)-0.3BaTiO(3) ceramic. Our results could further stimulate the investigations on lead-free ceramics for piezoelectric actuator applications.