Microstructure and electrical properties of Ti-modified (Na0.5K0.5)(TiχNb1-χ)O3 lead-free piezoelect

Ti-Modified (Na0.5K0.5)(TixNb1-x)O3 (NKNT) piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated by double-layer buffed powder process at 1020℃ for 2 h. The microstructures, and piezoelectric and dielectric properties of the lead-free NKNT ceramics were investigated. X-ray diffraction re-suits indicated that Ti4+ had diffused into the (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 lattices to form a solid solution with a perovskite structure. The introducing of Ti into the (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 solid solution effectively reduced the sintering temperature and densified the microstructure with a decreased grain size. The highest relative density reached more than 90%. The highest piezoelectric dielectric coefficient d33 and planar mode electro mechanical coupling coefficient kp were 110 pC/N and 19.5%, which were obtained in the NKNT ceramic with 1 mol% Ti. The piezoelectric properties of the NKNT ceramics were enhanced by aging in air for a period of time owing to the compensation of oxygen vacancies.