Large electrostrictive effect in lead-free (Bi.5Na.5)TiO3-based composite piezoceramics

Abstract The quadratic electrostrictive effect possesses several unique advantages over the piezoelectric effect, including a fast response speed, temperature stability, hysteresis-free characteristic. In this regards, we report a 0–3 type 0.92(Bi .5 Na .5 )TiO 3 −0.06BaTiO 3 −0.02(K .5 Na .5 )NbO 3 :6 wt% Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 (BNT-BT-KNN: BiT) composite ceramics to achieve the competent electrostrictive effect at room temperature. The electrostrictive behavior of composite ceramics was systematacially explored with respect to driving field, temperature, frequency and cycles. The manufactured composite ceramic is featured by not only large room-temperature electrostrictive coefficient Q 33 of 0.0327 m 4 C −2 but also superior thermal stability in the temperature range from 25 °C to 120 °C. Simultaneously, the gained electrostrictive response exhibited relatively good frequency-dependent and fatigue character. It is demonstrated that construct of a 0–3 type connectivity composite provides a highly effective path to tailor electrostrictive characteristic of BNT-based ceramics. The current study shows a significant advancement in the area of lead-free electrostrictive materials and can inspire potential interest in search for novel BNT-based ceramics with promising electrostrictive effect.