Effect of KNbO3 on physical and electrical properties of lead-free BaTiO3 ceramic

Abstract The investigation of the physical and electrical properties of lead-free (1− x )BT– x KN ceramics where x =0.00, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12 and 0.15 was carried out. The (1− x )BT– x KN ceramics were prepared by two step mixed oxide method. The ceramic samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-hardness testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrical measurements. The XRD patterns of (1− x )BT– x KN ceramics revealed change in crystal symmetries from tetragonal to pseudocubic structure with increasing KN contents. The addition of KN contents improved the hardness of the ceramics which 0.85BT–0.15KN composition possesses maximum hardness of 15.24 GPa. Moreover, the addition of KN of x =0.03 enhances the dielectric properties and has a significant effect on grain growth inhibition of the (1− x )BT– x KN ceramics.