Fabrication and Characterization of (1-x)BiFeO₃-xBaTiO₃Ceramics Prepared by a Solid State Reaction Method

Abstract

In this study, BiFe<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>-BaTi<TEX>$O_3$</TEX> ceramics have been fabricated by a solid-state reaction method. The effects of BaTi<TEX>$O_3$</TEX> content in the (1-x)BiFe<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>-xBaTi<TEX>$O_3$</TEX> (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) system on crystal structure and magnetic, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties were investigated. Perovskite BiFe<TEX>$O_3$</TEX> was stabilized through the formation of a solid solution with BaTi<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>. Rhombohedrally distorted structure (1-x)BiFe<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>-xBaTi<TEX>$O_3$</TEX> ceramics showed strong ferromagnetism at x = 0.5. Dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the BiFe<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>-BaTi<TEX>$O_3$</TEX> system also changed significantly upon addition of BaTi<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>. It was found that the maximum dielectric and ferroelectric properties were exhibited in the (1-x)BiFe<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>-xBaTi<TEX>$O_3$</TEX> system at x = 0.25. This suggested the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) with the coexistence of both rhombohedral and cubic phases of the (1-x)BiFe<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>-xBaTi<TEX>$O_3$</TEX> system at x = 0.25.