A perovskite ceramic of composition Ba0.92Ca0.08(Ti0.75Zr0.25)O3 with both ferroelectric and relaxor properties

Dielectric, pyroelectric current and X-ray diffraction studies have been performed on a ceramic of composition Ba0.92Ca0.08(Ti0.75Zr0.25)O3 belonging to the BaTiO3–BaZrO3–CaTiO3 ternary diagram. A spontaneous classical ferroelectric–relaxor transition was evidenced at T = 210 K. Such behaviour has been reported previously in other perovskite relaxors (PSN, PST, …). This lead-free ceramic is suitable for dielectric applications in capacitors and actuators because it is environmentally friendly.