Controlling the piezoelectric properties in bulk BiFeO₃-PbTiO₃-Li_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ ceramic by quenching and annealing

Abstract

In the present work, we study the effect of quenching and annealing on the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties at room temperature and elevated temperatures of a new ternary BiFeO₃-PbTiO₃-Li_0.5Bi_0.5TiO₃ bulk piezo ceramic. While sacrificing part of the maximally obtainable piezoelectric constant value, using an optimal heat treatment, a quasi-stable value for the piezoelectric constant of 65 pC/N was obtained irrespective of the annealing temperature. All experimental results point to the direction of unusual defect behavior in this novel ternary system leading to a well-defined metastable state. The quenching and annealing process are completely reversible and can be used in combination with additional chemical modifications to tailor the properties of this new high-temperature piezoelectric ceramic to the intended use conditions.