Processing and Properties of Strontium Bismuth Vanadate Niobate Ferroelectric Ceramics

Abstract

The processing conditions, microstructure, and dielectric properties of strontium bismuth niobate vanadate ceramics, SrBi 2 (V x Nb 1− x ) 2 O 9 (SBVN, with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3), were systematically studied. A relative density of >90% was obtained for all the samples using a two‐step sintering process. XRD showed that a single phase with the layered perovskite structure of SrBi 2 Nb 2 O 9 (SBN) was formed with a vanadium content of up to 30 at.%. SEM revealed that the average grain size decreased gradually with an increase in vanadium content. The Curie point was found to gradually increase from ∼418°C for SBN to ∼459°C for SBVN with 30 at.% vanadium. Dielectric constants at room temperature and their respective Curie points were found to peak at a composition with 10–15 at.%; vanadium. Moreover, a high concentration of vanadium (>5 at.%) resulted in a significant increase in tangent loss at low frequencies (<1000 Hz). The relationships between chemical composition, processing condition, microstructure, and dielectric properties of SBVN ferroelectric ceramics are discussed.