Potassium Sodium Niobate Lead-free Piezoelectric Ceramics: Difficulties inthe Processing and the Advantages of Iran: The Case of Iran and Slovenia

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Materials and Energy Research Center, Karaj, Alborz, Iran

/amnc.2016.4.16.5

Abstract

Among different groups of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, potassium sodium niobate (KNN) has some
interesting properties which make it a promising substituent to lead-based piezoelectrics. One basic
drawback in dealing with KNN is its sensitivity to the moisture. The aim of this study is to find out how
the atmospheric conditions affect the properties of stoichiometric (K0.50Na0.50)NbO3. The results are
based on the experiences of working in two different research institutes in Iran and Slovenia, with the
average annual relative humidity of 53 and 78 % in 2014, respectively. The average relative density of
sample synthesized/sintered in Iran and Slovenia were 94.0 and 91.5 %, respectively. In order to further
increase the density of sintered samples, a pre-annealing step for 4 h at 450 ˚C was introduced to the
sintering curve in Slovenia and sintering was carried out in a completely open crucible configuration.
These caused the density of samples to increase to 93.4 %. Measuring the dielectric loss versus temperature
showed a remarkable increase upon cooling from 100 ˚C to room temperature, which could be
attributed to the absorption of the humidity by sample. The results of this study showed that choosing
a less-humid environment will allow easier handling in the process and less difficulties in the electrical
characterization of final KNN products.

Keywords

References

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