Abstract
(1-X)$(Na_{0.5}K_{0.5})NbO_3-XK_{5.4}Cu_{1.3}Ta_{10}O_{29}$ (NKN-KCT) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been synthesized by the conventional solid state sintering method, and their sinterability and piezoelectric properties were investigated. Typically, this material is sintered between 1,025 and $1,100^{\circ}C$ for 2 hours to achieve the required densification. Crystalline structures and Microstructures were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The density, dielectric constant (${\varepsilon}_r$), piezoelectric constant $d_{33}$, electromechanical coupling factor $k_p$ and mechanical quality factor $Q_m$ value of the NKN ceramics depended upon the KCT content and the sintering temperature. In particular, the KCT addition to NKN greatly improved the mechanical quality factor $Q_m$ value. The ceramic with X = 1.0 mol% sintered at $1,050^{\circ}C$ exhibited optimum properties (${\varepsilon}_r$=246, $d_{33}$=95, $k_p$=0.38 and $Q_m$=1,826). These results indicate that the ceramic is a promising candidate material for applications in lead free piezoelectric transformer and filter materials.
