Dual-template textured BNT-based ceramics with ultra-low electrostrain hysteresis

Abstract

The biggest difficulty facing the grain growth (TGG) method is the compatibility between template and ceramic matrix. Different templates show great differences in texture degree. Consider the limitation of conventional single-template method, the strategy of dual-template textured ceramics and sintering aids were introduced in this work. With the addition of ST and NN templates into BNT system, the texture degree is higher than 90% and the electrostrain reach ∼ 0.5% with ultra-low hysteresis ∼ 15%, which cannot be realized in single template textured ceramics. The two templates and sintering aids play different roles in grain orientation growth, which is important for the compatibility among matrix and templates, leading to unique microstructures. Sintering processes clearly reveal the growth mechanism of textured ceramics under the joint action of two templates, and of course, the sintering aids are also indispensable. Regard to domain structure, the polar nanoregions can respond quickly under electric field, providing assistance for the realization of ultra-low hysteresis.