Analysis of sintering temperature effects on structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3 ceramics prepared by sol–gel method

This article describes preparation of Barium (Zirconium) Titnate (BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3) ceramics by the sol–gel technique and its structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties investigated with sintering temperature variation. The phase and microstructure analysis of the sintered ceramics was carried out by X-ray diffraction method (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. XRD analysis revealed structural transformation from cubic to tetragonal phase with increase in sintering temperature. Dielectric properties have been measured with variation of frequency up to 1 MHz and with temperature up to 200 °C. The BZT ceramics exhibit diffuse phase transition with normal ferroelectric behavior. Hysteresis loop measurements disclosed that BZT ceramics have good ferroelectric nature with saturation at higher applied electric fields. Leakage current density show negative temperature coefficient resistance (NTCR) behavior. The highest value (261 pC/N) of piezoelectric coefficient (d33) has been obtained for BZT ceramic sintered at 1400 °C and revealed that ceramics have great potentials for electronic industry based on sensor technology.