Effect of Sintering Parameters on Microstructure and Electrical Properties of (Ba0.98Ca0.02)(Ti0.94Sn0.06)O3Lead-Free Piezo-Ceramics

In order to investigate the effect of sintering parameters on the microstructure and electrical properties of (Ba0.98Ca0.02)(Ti0.94Sn0.06)O3 (BCTS) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, different sets of the sintering parameters were tested, and the effects of sintering parameters on the microstructure and the electrical properties of BCTS ceramics were investigated. An optimum electrical behavior (d33˜412 pC/N, kp˜49%) was demonstrated in such a BCTS ceramic sintered at ˜1450°C for a dwell time of 3 h. As a result, it is an effective way to optimize the electrical properties of BCTS ceramics by choosing an optimum sintering parameter.