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Herein this study, the polycrystalline nature of the Aurivillius type structure is studied; primarily, the main objective is to observe the influence of dopant Pr

Aurivillius BaBi

Controversial and inconsistent findings on the toxicity of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) against many bacteria are common in recorded studies; therefore, further advanced experimental work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nanotoxicity. This study deciphered the direct effects of Ag-NPs, Cu-NPs, ZnO-NPs and TiO

Lanthanum-modified BaTiO3 electroceramic materials have superior dielectric and piezoelectric properties. Ba0.996La0.004Ti0.999O3 (BLT4) seems to be a serious candidate for ultracondensator applications. This manuscript describes the results of hafnium and europium modification of BLT 4 ceramics. The pure and doped ceramic materials were synthesized by the conventional mixed oxide method. The microstructure of obtained samples was examined by scanning electron microscope. The investigations reveal strong correlations between the presence of admixture and the grain size, which was especially visible in the case of the hafnium dopant. The frequency and temperature dielectric characteristics measurements revealed a decrease in electric permittivity. Moreover, the impedance spectroscopy investigations showed severe changes in grains and grain-boundary resistivity, which was connected with changes in electric conductivity.

A multicomponent lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-type ceramics doped with Mn4+, Sb3+, W6+, and Ni2+ with a perovskite structure was obtained. The designed material had a chemical composition of Pb(Zr0.49Ti0.51)0.94Mn0.014Sb0.02W0.014Ni0.02O3. Ceramic powders were synthesized by the calcination method, and they were densified by the free sintering method. We present the results of electrophysical measurements of the PZT-type ceramics, including scanning electron microscopy microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric, pyroelectric, and thermally stimulated depolarization currents, piezoelectric properties and DC electrical conductivity. The results obtained for the multicomponent ceramics predispose it to micromechatronic applications as part of actuators.

Compounds based on (KzNa1–z)NbO3 (KNN) are promising lead-free ferroelectric materials that reveal good electrophysical properties. In the present work, we report the results of the study influence...

The solid solution of the perovskite type structure Ba0.996La0.004Ti1&minus, yFeyO3 (BLTF) for varying iron content (y = 0.1&minus, 0.4 mol.%) was obtained as a result of a solid state reaction using the conventional method. At room temperature (Tr &lt, TC), the as-received ceramics reveals a single-phase, tetragonal structure and a P4mm space group. An increase in the iron content causes a slight decrease in the volume of the elementary cell. In addition, this admixture significantly reduces the maximum permittivity value (&epsilon, m) and the shift of the phase transition temperature (TC) towards lower temperatures. The BLTF solid solution shows a classical phase transition and low values of dielectric loss tangent (tg&delta, ), both at room temperature and in the phase transition area. The Curie&ndash, Weiss temperature (T0) and Curie constant (C) were also determined on the basis of the dielectric measurements results. The analysis of temperature changes in DC conductivity revealed presence of the positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTCR) effect in the phase transition area.

Due to the systematic increase in the production of nanomaterials (NMs) and their applications in many areas of life, issues associated with their toxicity are inevitable. In particular, the performance of heterogeneous NMs, such as nanocomposites (NCs), is unpredictable as they may inherit the properties of their individual components. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to assess the biological activity of newly synthesized Cu/TiO2-NC and the parent nanoparticle substrates Cu-NPs and TiO2-NPs on the bacterial viability, antioxidant potential and fatty acid composition of the reference Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis strains. Based on the toxicological parameters, it was found that B. subtilis was more sensitive to NMs than E. coli. Furthermore, Cu/TiO2-NC and Cu-NPs had an opposite effect on both strains, while TiO2-NPs had a comparable mode of action. Simultaneously, the tested strains exhibited varied responses of the antioxidant enzymes after exposure to the NMs, with Cu-NPs having the strongest impact on their activity. The most considerable alternations in the fatty acid profiles were found after the bacteria were exposed to Cu/TiO2-NC and Cu-NPs. Microscopic images indicated distinct interactions of the NMs with the bacterial outer layers, especially in regard to B. subtilis. Cu/TiO2-NC generally proved to have less distinctive antimicrobial properties on B. subtilis than E. coli compared to its parent components. Presumably, the biocidal effects of the tested NMs can be attributed to the induction of oxidative stress, the release of metal ions and specific electrochemical interactions with the bacterial cells.

Modern electronics expect functional materials that are eco-friendly and are obtained with lower energy consumption technological processes. The multiferroic lead-free BaFe1/2Nb1/2O3 (BFN) ceramic powder has been prepared by mechanochemical synthesis from simple oxides at room temperature. The development of the synthesis has been monitored by XRD and SEM investigations, after different milling periods. The obtained powders contain large agglomerates built by crystals with an estimated size about 12–20 nm depending on the period of milling. From this powder, the multiferroic BFN ceramic samples have been prepared by uniaxial pressing and subsequent sintering pressureless method. The morphology of the BFN ceramic samples strongly depends on high-energy milling duration. The properties of the ceramic samples have been investigated by dielectric spectroscopy, in broad temperature and frequency ranges. The high-energy milling of the powders has strongly affected the dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss of the BaFe1/2Nb1/2O3 ceramic samples. The usage of the mechanochemical synthesis to obtain the multiferroic lead-free BFN materials reduces the required thermal treatment and simultaneously improves the parameters of the BFN ceramics.

Multiferroic solid solutions of Ba1−xLaxTi1−x/4O3 and iron (BLFT) were synthesized using the conventional mixed oxide method. The dependence of the piezoelectric coefficients on Fe content in BLFT ceramics was determined by the quasi-static and resonance method. The results indicate that 0.3 mol% addition of Fe3+ ions to the ceramic structure increased the value of the piezoelectric parameter d33 to the maximum of 159 pC/N. This puts BLFT ceramics among other good-quality and lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. A major enhancement of dielectric properties related to the manipulation of Fe content in the barium lanthanum titanate (BLT) ceramics system is reported as well.

Perovskite ceramics (Ba0.6Pb0.4)TiO3 modified with PbO-B2O3-Al2O3-WO3 special glass was prepared with the conventional mixed oxide method. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) of the obtained materials confirmed singlephase and pure tetragonal structure. The Rietveld method was used to determine unit cell parameters. Uniform deformation of the tetragonal parameter was observed with addition of the glass. Dielectric measurements revealed the remarkable influence of special glass admixture on the value of dielectric permittivity and dielectric losses, as well as the Curie temperature. However, the most important achievement of the investigations is obtaining a significant PTCR effect in the sample containing 6 wt.% of special glass admixture.

Effects of La3+admixture in barium lanthanum titanate (BLT) ceramics system with colossal permittivity on performance of prospective piezoelectric cold plasma application were studied. Usage of cold atmospheric pressure plasma appears promising in terms of industrial and healthcare applications. Performed investigation provide consistent evaluation of doping lanthanum amount on piezoelectric coefficients values with simultaneous capability of charge accumulation for effective plasma generation. Modification of ferroelectric materials with heterovalent ions, however with the lower radii than the original atoms, significantly affects their domain mobility and consequently electromechanical properties. To determine the piezoelectric coefficients, the resonance-antiresonance method was implemented, and values of piezoelectric and dielectric parameters were recorded. Finally the results indicated that addition of 0.4 mol.% of La3+ions to the ceramic structure maximally increased the values of piezoelectric coefficient tod33= 20 pC/N and to huge dielectric constant toε33T= 29277.

In the paper two compositions of the multi-component PZT-type ceramics admixtures by Mn4+, Sb3+, W6+, Ni2+were presented. The ceramic powders were synthesized by the calcination of powders while their densification was carried out by free sintering method. The dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric studies and DC electrical conductivity of the multicomponent PZT-type samples were presented. The results of the multi-component ceramics predispose these type materials in micromechatronic and microelectronic applications for example as element of the actuators.

This paper describes the properties of a lead-free ceramic material based on barium titanate, designed for the construction of ultracapacitors and sensors used in mechatronic systems. The admixture of lanthanum (La3+) served as a modifier. The ceramic powders were obtained by the solid phase reaction method (conventional method&mdash, mixed oxides method&mdash, MOM). Technological conditions of the synthesis process were determined on the basis of thermal analysis. The obtained samples are characterized, at room temperature (Tr &lt, TC), by a single-phase tetragonal structure and a P4mm space group. Properly developed large grains (d = 5 &micro, m) contributed to the increase in electric permittivity, the maximum value of which is at the level of &epsilon, m &asymp, 112,000, as well as to a strong decrease in specific resistance in the ferroelectric phase, whereas above the Curie temperature, by creating a potential barrier at their boundaries, there was a a rapid increase in resistivity. The temperature coefficient of resistance of the obtained posistor is 10.53%/K. The electrical properties of the obtained ceramics were examined using impedance spectroscopy. In order to analyze the obtained results, a method of comparing the behavior of the real object and its replacement system in a specific frequency region was used, whereas the Kramer&ndash, Kroning (K&ndash, K) test was used to determine the consistency of the measured data. The proper selection of the stoichiometry and synthesis conditions resulted in the creation of an appropriate concentration of donor levels and oxygen gaps, which in turn resulted in a significant increase in the value of electrical permittivity, with small values of the angle of dielectric loss tangent. This fact predisposes the discussed material for certain applications (in the construction of ultracapacitors, among others).

Alkaline based materials have been considered as a replacement for environmentally harmful Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) electro-ceramics. In this paper, the K1/2Na1/2NbO3 (KNN) ceramics were prepared in a three stage process: first Nb2O5, Na2CO3, and K2CO3 were milled in a high energy mill (shaker type) for different periods, between 25 h and 100 h, consecutively a solid state reaction was carried out at 550 &deg, C. Finally, the uniaxially pressed samples were sintered at 1000 &deg, C. The reaction temperature is lower for mechanically activated powders than in the case of the conventional solid-state method. The ceramic samples, prepared from the mechanically activated powders, were investigated by dielectric spectroscopy. The influence of the duration of the mechanical activation on the properties of the ceramic materials, e.g., ceramic microstructures, phase transition temperatures, character of the temperature dependences of dielectric permittivity, are discussed.

The results of fabrication process and characterization of Bi1-xGdxFeO3 (x = 0.05, 0.07, 0.10) ceramics are reported in the paper. The samples were prepared by standard solid state reaction method from the mixture of oxides: Bi2O3, Fe2O3 and Gd2O3. The influence of Gd substitution on the microstructure and density of Bi1-xGdxFeO3 was studied. Phase composition and structure of the obtained samples were investigated by Xray diffraction. It turns out that the Bi1-xGdxFeO3 solid solutions with x = 0.05 and 0.07 crystallize in trigonal structure characteristic of BiFeO3 compound. For the sample with x = 0.1, beside the major trigonal phase, 6% of orthorhombic phase typical for GdFeO3 was detected. Hyperfine interaction parameters were studied by M?ssbauer spectroscopy. M?ssbauer results proved that the spin cycloid characteristic of BiFeO3 compound gradually disappears when substituting Gd3+ ions at the Bi3+ sites.

Electrocaloric (EC) structures for a new generation of cooling or heating elements utilize the temperature dependence of spontaneous polarization in some ferroelectric materials to convert waste heat into electricity and vice versa. A (Pb0.93La0.07) (Zr0.65Ti0.35)O3 material, have the largest recorded pyroelectric coefficient. An effective predicted form for such applications is fiber, due to small heat capacitance and quick response time, even for nano second laser excitation. Consequently, the presented work provides a description of the optimization of structural, ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of obtained fibers, finally concluding on necessity of sintering temperature reduction in 100°C in contrast to bulk form to effectively prevent its destruction.

The lanthanum barium titanate (BLT) ceramics with the ABO3 perovskite-type structure has been investigated, and the optimum technology for preparation of BLT ceramics exhibiting high density and high dielectric constant has been developed. By means of conventional technology and sol-gel method ferroelectric ceramic Ba1-xLaxTi1-x/4O3, for x = 0.005, was obtained. After a solid-phase synthesis, the obtained powders were sintered using one of three ways: free sintering, hot pressing followed by free sintering, and free sintering followed by hot pressing. The ceramic samples were characterized in terms of their microstructure and dielectric properties.

Xanthan gum (XAN) is a widely used polysaccharide in various industries. Because of its unique properties, in this study, an attempt was made to adopt the procedure of xanthan gum cross-linking for the entrapment of bacterial cells that are able to biodegrade naproxen. The developed procedure proved to be completely neutral for Bacillus thuringiensis B1(2015b) cells, which demonstrated a survival rate of 99%. A negative impact of entrapment was noted for strain Planococcus sp. S5, which showed a survival rate in the 93–51% range. To achieve good mechanical properties of the composites, they were additionally hardened using polydopamine (PDA). XAN/PDA composites revealed a high stability in a wide range of pH, and their sorption capacity included both cationic and anionic molecules. Analysis of the survival rate during storage at 4 °C in 0.9% NaCl showed that, after 35 days, 98–99% of B1(2015b) and 47% of S5 cells entrapped in XAN/PDA remained alive. This study also presents the results of naproxen biodegradation conducted using XAN/PDA/B1(2015b) in a trickling filter with autochthonous microflora. Hence, owing to the significant acceleration of drug biodegradation (1 mg/L in 14 days) and the chemical oxygen demand removal, the entrapped B1(2015b) cells in XAN/PDA composites showed a promising potential in bioremediation studies and industrial applications.

In the work, the multicomponent Pb0.75Ba0.25(Zr0.65Ti0.35)1-aSnaO3 (PBZT/Sn) ceramics were obtained with various tin amounts (a from the range of 0.0 to 0.1). The densification of the PBZT/Sn ceramic samples was performed using pressureless sintering method. The effect of SnO2 content on the crystal structure of PBZT/Sn ceramics, microstructure, DC electrical conductivity and electrophysical properties (including dielectric and ferroelectric testes), were investigated. The PBZT/Sn ceramic samples exhibit high values of dielectric permittivity at the temperature of ferro-paraelectric phase transition and show the relaxor character of phase transition. Excessive SnO2 contents doping of the PBZT/Sn materials (already for a = 0.1) might lead to lattice stress and structure defects, which successively leads to the deterioration of ferroelectric and dielectric properties of the ceramic samples. The presented research shows that the addition of SnO2 to the base PBZT compound (in the proper proportion) gives an additional possibility of influencing the parameters essential for practical applications, from the areas of micromechatronics and microelectronics.

Correction to article: Wodecka-Dus, B. et al., Chemical and Physical Properties of the BLT4 Ultra Capacitor - A Suitable Material for Ultracapacitors Materials 2020, 13, 659

The main motivation of present article is to clarify the role of calcium ions in the formation of the mechanical properties of (Pb0.75Ba0.25)(Zr0.70Ti0.30)O3 ceramics. For this purpose the base ceramics as well as ceramics contain 0.5; 1; 2; 3; 4 at.% of calcium were prepared using conventional mixed oxide method. In the experiment, the nanoindentation techniques were applied to evaluate the elastic modulus and hardness values as a function of indentation depth. The results were compared with these in macroscale obtained by ultrasound techniques and shown that not always expensive nanoscale characterisation methods reveal real materials properties in microscale.

Relaxor ferroelectrics or relaxors are a class of disordered single crystals and ceramic materials, of peculiar structure as well as properties. The commonly known examples of such materials are Pb(Mg,Nb)O3 (PMN) ceramics as well as single crystals. The second most extensively studied relaxor ceramics is lanthanum-doped lead zirconate–titanate, described as x/65/35 PLZT when lanthanum content is x = 6–10 at%. Throughout the last few decades, there has been an increasing interest in rare-earth-doped PLZT ceramics, because PLZT can be easily substituted with lanthanide elements for La3+ ions. For this reason, the present studies concern the changes in microstructure and crystal structure as well as in dielectric properties, caused by modification of 8/65/35 PLZT with neodymium dopant. Modification of this material with Nd3+ influences the microstructure, electrooptical and dielectric properties, whereas the changes in crystal structure are slight. It was also observed that the maximum value of dielectric pr...

The solid solutions of PbZr1-xTixO3 (PZT) are the most known and widely applicable piezoelectric ceramic materials. The influence of different dopants on PZT properties has been studied for many years. Some of such compositions have revealed a behavior typical for ferroelectric relaxors. In the case of Pb0.75Ba0.25Zr0.70Ti0.30O3 ceramics (abbreviation PBZT 25/70/30), prepared by mixed-oxide processing technique elastic, it was found that macroscopic piezoelectric activity is present far above the temperature at which structural changes and maximum of permittivity occur in unpoled samples (~ 200 °C). Anomalies of the elastic and piezoelectric properties have been observed very clearly near the temperature of 152 °C. Within the temperature range of 152–220 °C, unstable piezoelectric properties have been detected due to the existence of polar micro/nano-clusters and non-trivial elastic-electric interactions between them, through the non-polar paraelectric matrix. The origin of such interactions could be lattice instabilities, dynamic change in polar cluster sizes, and fluctuations in chemical composition. Based on the results of the research, it can be said that PZT ceramics of such composition is a relaxor-like material and it is not a ferroelectric relaxor.

Barium bismuth niobiate (BaBi2Nb2O9) ceramics modified by calcium were prepared by solid state synthesis and two-step sintering process. An impact of calcium substitution on the A site of perovskite block is presented. The investigations are focused on dielectric as well as electric aspects of the modification. The presented results reveal that the concentration of a space charge is not preserved, what is surprising due to the homovalent nature of the dopant and no reason for creating additional lattice defects and charges connected. However, not only the valence of ions, but also the calcium-oxygen and barium-oxygen bond strength should be taken into consideration. Since the calcium-oxygen bond is probably weaker the loss of the bismuth oxide is expected to increase with an increase in the calcium content. Such a scenario results in appearance of a large number of negative charge carriers connected with unsaturated oxygen ions.

Planococcus sp. S5, a Gram-positive bacterium isolated from the activated sludge is known to degrade naproxen in the presence of an additional carbon source. Due to the possible toxicity of naproxen and intermediates of its degradation, the whole cells of S5 strain were immobilized onto loofah sponge. The immobilized cells degraded 6, 9, 12 or 15 mg/L of naproxen faster than the free cells. Planococcus sp. cells immobilized onto the loofah sponge were able to degrade naproxen efficiently for 55 days without significant damage and disintegration of the carrier. Analysis of the activity of enzymes involved in naproxen degradation showed that stabilization of S5 cells in exopolysaccharide (EPS) resulted in a significant increase of their activity. Changes in the structure of biofilm formed on the loofah sponge cubes during degradation of naproxen were observed. Developed biocatalyst system showed high resistance to naproxen and its intermediates and degraded higher concentrations of the drug in comparison to the free cells.

Recently worldwide environmental considerations demand the elimination of lead-based materials from all consumer items. Potassium sodium niobate solid solution seems to be one of the most promising candidate to replace the PZT-based ceramics in piezoelectric devices. In this paper the K1/2Na1/2NbO3 ceramics have been obtained from mechanochemically activated powders containing the stoichiometric ratio of niobium oxide, potassium and sodium carbonates. The activation process occurred in a high energy mill (shaker type), for different periods between 25 h and 100 h. The sintered ceramic samples, prepared from mechanochemically activated powders, have been investigated by XRD, SEM and impedance studies in order to determine the influence of mechanochemical process on the final ceramic properties. The ceramic properties have showed a strong correlation with the milling duration. Based on the performed investigations it is possible to distinguish between the material response related to the grains and the grain boundaries. The resistance of grains and grain boundaries increases with the high energy milling time. The similar trend has been recorded in case of capacitance. Moreover, the anomaly, related to the ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition, is visible on both temperature dependencies of grains and grain boundaries capacitances.

In the present study two-phase BiNbO4//PVDF composites with 0-3 connectivity were studied by impedance spectroscopy within the frequency range Δν=100Hz-1MHz at room temperature. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) acted as a matrix whereas bismuth niobate (BiNbO4) powder acted as a dispersed phase. The volume fraction of the ceramic phase was cV=2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 and 20vol%. Analysis of the impedance data registered for composites as well as for BiNbO4 ceramics and PVDF polymer was performed on the base of complex dielectric permittivity mathematical formalism. It was found by impedance spectroscopy that concentration of the dispersed phase had an effect on dielectric properties of ceramic-polymer composite. Experimental data of impedance spectroscopy were fitted to the corresponding equivalent circuit using the complex non-linear least squares method. An equivalent electric circuit consisting of a series combination of two parallel combinations of a resistance R and a constant phase element CPE was found to describe well the dynamic dielectric response of the objects under study. Parameters of the equivalent electric circuit were calculated and it was found that two distinct relaxation processes were present in the composite samples. It was also found that volume fraction of the dispersed phase cV=8vol% corresponded to a local minimum of resistance whereas cV=10vol% of the dispersed phase corresponded to a local minimum of capacitance.

Mechanochemical synthesis offers unique possibility of perovskite phase formation at ambient conditions that is very attractive (simplifies production, allows strict stoichiometry control and brings economic benefits). In this work the mechanochemical synthesis has been used for preparation ofBa1&minus, xCaxTiO3 (0.2 x 0.3) powders from simple oxides. The 20 h milled powders have been uniaxially pressed and sintered in order to get the ceramic samples. The sample morphologies have been observed by scanning electron microscopy. Dielectric and impedance studies have been performed on ceramics. The obtained results indicate that the two mechanism of doping occurred. The first one is observed for the lower calcium concentration (below 0.3) and consists of the introduction of calcium ion into the A site of the perovskite structure. The second one is observed for the higher calcium concentration (equal 0.3). In this case the calcium ions partially occupies the B site in the perovskite structure. Both cases have different influence on the final properties of the ceramics because they induce different defects.

The chemical composition as well as impedance spectroscopy were investigated for BaBi2Nb2O9 ceramics obtained by conventional mixed oxides method, before and after the sample was thermally treated (for 1 h) in an ultra-high vacuum (5 × 10−11 bar) at the temperature of 900 °C. The obtained results indicate the loss of stoichiometry as a result of applied thermal treatment, and lead to conclusion, that the chemical formula of the obtained material should be determined as BaBiNb2O9-x. The suggested formula emphasises the oxygen deficiency due to Bi–O saturated precipitate, along with lack of barium ions at the surface of the sample, and has major influence on material's electric properties.

Goal of the present research was to investigate the influence of V2O5 additive on the structure and dielectric properties of BiNbO4 ceramics. To fabricate BiNbO4 ceramics with V2O5 added the solid state reaction route and pressureless sintering was utilized. Thus obtained ceramics was characterized in terms of its microstructure (SEM), chemical composition (EDS), phase composition and crystalline structure (X-ray phase and structural analysis, respectively). Also dielectric properties in both temperature and frequency domains were investigated. The impedance spectroscopy was utilized for dielectric characterization and the measurements of complex impedance were performed within the frequency range ν =10Hz-1MHz and temperature range T =RT-550°C. It was found that V2O5 additive changed slightly lattice parameters of BiNbO4 ceramics, decreased porosity of samples and revealled relaxation phenomena within the frequency ranges ν =102-103 Hz and ν =105-106 Hz at temperature T>285°C.

Gaining the precise control over the matter at the nanometre scale is the main leitmotif in a majority of nanoscience oriented research measurements nowadays. The availability of new advanced tools, as a nanoindentation technique, for evaluation of the mechanical properties, seems to be prerequisite for exploitation of the dramatic development in nanoscience and meeting the emerging needs of the industries in new electronic applications. The nanoindentation technique was applied to evaluate the elastic modulus and hardness values as a function of indentation depth. However, in the presented experiment the nanoscale mechanical properties of BaBi2Nb2O9 ceramics have been characterized and compared with the macroscale measurements with macroscale method with the implementation of ultrasound techniques. A draw conclusion indicates that expensive nanoscale characterisation presented here is not fully consisted with the microscale. The reasons of such state of things are widely discussed.

Compactness and large energy conversion capacity are the main reasons of development of sophisticated ceramics materials in microfibers form, which are prepared for high-speed multiferroic systems and devices. These multifunctional composite applications are owing to coupling of electrical and magnetic properties, as well as additional thermal and mechanical properties. So that, they are suitable for magnetic sensors, electrically tunable non-linear transducers, and non-volatile memories. In our experiment, the thin fibers ceramics have been produced using special environmental chamber where the high temperature sintering can be protected by controlling such parameters as temperature and sintering atmosphere. Consequently, for these purposes structural and physical properties, preparation and thermal synthesis of micrometer sized lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) fibers were investigated thoroughly. Since the phase transition properties of PLZT fibers differ much, the production process of fibers s...

The article reports the successful preparation of single-phase vanadium doped BaBi 2 Nb 2 O 9 ceramics. In the first part of the paper we would like to present the results of the XRD measurements, which allows us to determine the lattice parameters. The parameters do not change, which implies that the vanadium ions ordering of the crystal structure causes the decreasing number of defects. The conclusion stays consistent with the results of dielectric and thermal stimulated depolarization currents measurements, described in the second part of the paper. The pure BBN ceramics, as well as the ones modified by vanadium, show the frequency dependence of the dielectric response typical for relaxor ferroelectrics i.e. the significant reduction of SYMBOL 101 \f "Symbol" \s 12e‘ max and shift of the corresponding temperature ( T m ) towards higher values with the frequency increase. However the vanadium substitution causes a reduction of the value of parameters describing the relaxor properties.

The effect of thermal treatment on the properties of Bi-layered ceramics, and particularly of the BaBi2Nb2O9 ceramics was considered to be marginal, despite the fact that their dielectric and relaxor properties are strongly related to the degree of heterogeneity. The aim of this article is to determine the influence of defects, especially the concentration of oxygen vacancies, on the relaxor properties of BaBi2Nb2O9. The results show that the oxygenation, taking place in the first phase of post-sintering annealing, do not affect significantly the values of the parameters characteristic of ferroelectric relaxors. The parameters undergo changes only after prolonged annealing, when the content of barium and bismuth were slightly changed.

The mechanical properties of the pure as well as vanadium modified BaBi2Nb2O9 ceramics have been studied in macro and nano-scales using three different methods. Specifically for macro-scale, ultrasonic velocity and internal friction were employed to evaluate the Young modulus (E), whereas for nano-scale the nanoindentation method was a very useful tool to obtain the elastic modulus and hardness. These results reveal the strong influence of vanadium admixture on mechanical properties of the discussed material. In the case of modified ceramics the value of Young modulus increases, which is probably connected with the decreasing of the number of defects. Moreover, the described results show the significant differences in mechanical properties measured on nano and macro-scale. It is concluded that the knowledge of the mechanical properties of the ceramic material is complete only when we take into account both the macro and nano-scale.

Effect of Sr content in lead zirconate titanate PZT ceramic system on performance of piezoelectric transformer application were studied. Our experiments provide consistent evaluation of doping strontium amount on piezoelctric coefficients values and final voltage gain and efficiency of piezoelectric transformer. Extreme values of these parameters are preferred for MEMS device effective driving. Modification of ferroelectric materials with isovalent ions, however with the bigger radii than the original atoms, significantly affects their properties. Particularly the electromechanical coefficients of (Pb1-xSrx)(Zr0,70Ti0,30)O3, for mole %’s as x = 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 ceramics exhibit marked increase, if the PSZT material stoichiometry is near the ferroelectric/relaxor phase boundary. To determine the piezoelectric coefficients, the resonance-antiresonance method was implemented. The results indicated that addition of Sr2+ ions in the amount of 5 mol% in the ceramic structure maximally increased the values of piezoelectric parameter to d31 = 8.2 pC/N and mechanical quality factor Qm = 2902. Finally we demonstrated that in spite of the high piezoelectric coefficients for certain material only the practical examination must be applied in order to draw decisive application conclusions due to the complexity of the double energy conversion in such a specific device as the piezoelectric transformer.

Ferroelectric materials systematically enter into the structure of microelectronic devices. The ability to increase the packing density of the ferroelectric structures, and thus the piezoelectric coefficients of the final device, is primarily limited by the fact that such tiny ferroelectric structures may not preserve their microscopic properties at macroscopic scale. A problem of current interest in ferroelectric research is to get to know how to modify the domain structure and the piezoelectric properties of the material, if the polycrystalline material consists of grains and grain boundaries, in which electrical properties differ significantly. In this paper, we have combined the Impedance Spectroscopy (IS), as a method for detecting such inequality in the form of separated impedances, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), as techniques for direct local engineering and investigation of grain and grain boundaries conductivity. We would like to present hitherto unreported connection between values of electrical parameters obtained by both methods.