Enhanced Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties of <scp>Pb</scp> ( <scp>Mg</scp> _1/3 <scp>Nb</scp> _2/3 ) _0.65 <scp>Ti</scp> _0.35 <scp>O</scp> ₃ Ceramics by <scp>ZnO</scp> Modification

Abstract

Phase formation, microstructures, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of ZnO‐modified Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 ) 0.65 Ti 0.35 O 3 (PMNT/ x ZnO, where x = 0, 0.4, 2.0, 4.0, and 11.0 mol%) ceramics were studied. A coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal ferroelectric phases was observed at room temperature in all samples. The ceramics with the relative densities of 93%–95% were prepared. The modification by ZnO led to an increase in grain sizes of PMNT ceramics. The maximum dielectric constant of the pure PMNT ceramic was increased with x = 0.4–4.0 mol% ZnO doping, with the highest value being observed in the 2.0 mol% sample. Both the temperature at which the transition between rhombohedral and tetragonal ferroelectric phases took place ( T R‐T ) and the Curie temperature of the ceramics tended to increase with increasing x . The ferroelectric properties were enhanced with increased remanent polarization and P ( E ) loop squareness in the compositions with x = 0.4–4.0 mol%. However, the ferroelectric properties were attenuated with x = 11.0 mol%.