Structural and electrical properties of Sm3+ substituted PZT ceramics

Abstract: Samarium modified lead zirconate titanate (PSZT: Pb1−x Sm x (Zr0.65Ti0.35)O3: x =0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06) ceramics were synthesized by solid state ceramic route. XRD shows single-phase formation with rhombohedral structure up to x =0.04. With Sm—substitution, the grain size first increases up to x =0.02 and then decreases. A metal/ferroelectric/metal (MFM) structure was made by depositing gold electrode on the flat surfaces for electrical measurements. All samples show normal ferroelectric behaviour, however, a squareness of P–E loop (polarization vs. electric field) was observed to increase with Sm content. Higher electromechanical coupling coefficients (K p and K t) have been achieved for the PZT with 6mol% Sm substitution and having fine grain size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]