Elfffects of Pr6O11 doping on the microstructures and properties of Bi4Ti3O12 ferroelectric ceramics

Effects of Pr6O11 doping on the microstructures and the electrical properties of Bi4Ti3O12 (BIT) were investigated using dense ceramics, which were prepared by a conventional ceramic technique. For all the samples, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed Bi-layered perovskite structures, and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs showed well developed plate-like morphologies with random orientations. The P-E hysteresis loop of samples measured at room temperature exhibited a large remnant polarization and a low coercive field. In addition, the DC current-voltage properties measured at different temperature from RT to 550 degreesC were discussed. Results indicate that Pr6O11 can be a good additive to improve the properties of Bi4Ti3O12. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.