Fabrication of Bi<sub>0.5</sub>Na<sub>0.5</sub>ZrO<sub>3</sub> Powder by Mixed Oxide Method

Abstract

Lead-free bismuth sodium zirconate powder with formula Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 ZrO 3 was prepared by conventional mixed oxide method. Bismuth sodium zirconate (BNZ) powder with 10wt%Na 2 CO 3 was calcined at 800 °C for 2 h dwell time. Investigation of the effects of re-calcination and dwell time on phase formation of powders was also carried out. The results revealed that re-calcination significantly affected the formation of single-phase BNZ powder. Phase characteristics were checked by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Powder Cell software was employed to simulate crystal structure of BNZ powder. It was found that BNZ powder most likely possessed an orthorhombic structure. SEM result showed its average particle size was 0.47 mm and composition measured EDX correlated with theoretical composition of BNZ.