Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti1-xZrx)O3+0.004 CuO Ceramics for Piezoelectric Actuator

In this study, (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Ti1-xZrx)O-3 + 0.004 CuO lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated using a conventional solid state reaction technique. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that all specimens exhibit pure perovskite phase, and no secondary phases. The effects of Zr substitution on microstructure and piezoelectric characteristic and dielectric properties of BCTZ ceramics were systematically investigated. At the calcination temperature of 1200 degrees C and sintering temperature of 1430 degrees C, relatively good properties of piezoelectric constant (d(33)) = 454 [pC/N], electromechanical coupling factor(k(p)) = 0.51, electromechanical quality factor(Q(m)) = 239, dielectric constant (epsilon(r)) = 3657 were obtained from x = 0.085, respectively. However, the excellent physical properties were obtained when x = 0.10, Taking into consideration the Curie temperature and piezoelectric properties of piezoelectric properties, it can be concluded that the composition of x = 0.085 is promising candidate material for lead-free piezoelectric ceramics and actuator applications.