Enhanced Low-Field Strain in Bi-Based Lead-Free Ferroelectric-Relaxor Composites.

To improve the strain properties of Bi-based lead-free ceramics at lower electric fields, ferroelectric 0.82(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3-0.18(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3(BNKT) seed particles were embedded in Bi0.5(Na0.385K0.09Li0.025)(Ti0.975Ta0.025)O3(BNKLTT) ceramics exhibiting relaxor behaviour using a conventional solid-state reaction. The unipolar strain versus electric field hysteresis loops of the BNKT-BNKLTT composites resulted in a maximum Smax/Emaxof 761 pm/V at 4 kV/mm when 30 wt.% BNKT particles were added, which was higher than that of the single ferroelectric or relaxor phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]