Effects of Ta Substitution on Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of Pb-free(Na 0.53 K 0.47 )(Nb 1−x Tax)O 3 Ceramics

Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 (PZT) based ceramics with superior piezoelectric properties have been extensively used in various domestic and industrial appliances. However, PZT ceramics causing environmental contamination and health problems need to be eventually replaced by any of Pb-free materials. (Na 0.53 K 0.47 )(Nb 1?x Ta x )O 3 (NKNT), one of Pb-free piezoelectric ceramics, has long been known but its properties are not fully understood and developed. In this study, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of Pb-free NKNT ceramics were studied with Ta substitution for B-site at x=0~0.6. It was found that polymorphic phase transition (PPT) between orthorhombic and tetragonal phases was notably influenced by Ta substitution. The highest piezoelectric coefficient (d 33 ) of 284 pC/N was occurred at x = 0.45.