Orientation Control of (K,Na)NbO3 Ceramics Using NaNbO3 Particles Prepared by Single-Step Molten Salt Synthesis

Abstract

An effective orientation control of (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) ceramics using plate-like NaNbO3 (NN) particles prepared by single-step molten salt synthesis was accomplished. The factors inhibiting the grain orientation in KNN ceramics were identified. The mixture ratio of Bi2O3 in the starting materials used to synthesize the plate-like NN particles was optimized for the orientation control. In addition, by improving the sintering process, the textured ceramics with an orientation factor of 97% and a relative density of 96% were fabricated.