Abstract
This article covers the microstructure, AC conductivity (σac) and impedance analysis of lead-free polycrystalline BaZr0.15Ti0.85O3 (BZT) piezoceramics modified by the addition of 1 wt % ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by the conventional mixed oxide route. Nanoparticles of ZnO with an average diameter of ~41 nm have been produced via direct precipitation method. XRD study confirms the hexagonal symmetry (space group P63mc) of ZnO while sintered BZT ceramic compositions consist of single phase tetragonal perovskite structure with the space group (P4mm). Role of ZnO as sintering aid is confirmed via SEM analysis since dense microstructure (with increase in the grain size) of doped BZT composition was achieved. The negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior which refers to decrease in electrical resistance with increase in temperature is investigated for both compositions while high temperature AC conductivity analysis proposed that the conduction in studied compositions is due to hopping charge mechanism.
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