A study on electrical properties of Praseodymium oxide doped Ba(Zr_0.02Ti_0.98)O₃ ceramics

Praseodymium oxide (Pr₆O₁₁) (0.02 wt. %–0.06 wt. %) doped Ba (Zr_0.02Ti_0.98) O₃ ceramics were synthesized by mixed oxide route using chemical precursors. The powders were calcined at 1100°C for a duration of 4 h. After calcination, the powders were de-agglomerated followed by granulation using 2 wt. % polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The granules were pressed into pellets and subsequently sintered at 1450°C for 2 h. Microstructure analysis revealed well-developed grains in all the pellets. Further the samples were electroded, poled and characterized. The maximum piezoelectric coefficient ( d₃₃) achieved was 354 pC/N for 0.02 wt. % Pr₆O₁₁ doped Ba(Zr_0.02Ti_0.98)O₃ and a relatively high dielectric constant ( K = 15117.2) measured at Curie temperature ( T_c) and 100 Hz frequency for the same composition. Additionally, these samples exhibited a higher positive strain of 0.64% at an electric field of 27.13 kV/cm could be a suitable lead-free piezo material for high strain and actuation application.