Effect of Y and Nb codoping on the microstructure and electrical properties of lead zirconate titanate ceramics

A system Pb1.03-xYx[(Zr0.52Ti0.48)(1-x)Nb-x]O-3 (Y = 0 - 0.05) has been investigated to demonstrate the codoping effect of Y3+ and Nb5+ ions on the microstructure and electrical properties of lead zirconia titanate (PZT) ceramics. It is observed that the lattice parameters of the of Y3+ doped PZT ceramics are mainly affected by additions ion, with Nb5+ ion having a negligible effect on the tetragonal-rhmobohedral transition. The codoping of Y3+ and Nb5+ ions is noted to inhibit grain growth, and promote densification. The optimal doping level is found to be at x = similar to0.015, where a dielectric constant (epsilon(r)) of 1366, piezoelectric constant (d(31)) of - 139.8 pN/V, e(31) of - 9.2 N/(VM)-M-. and an electromechanical coupling factor (k(p)) of 0.61 have been obtained. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.