CaTiO3-modified [(K0.5Na0.5)0.94Li0.06](Nb0.94Sb0.06)O3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics with improved temperature stability

To improve the temperature stability of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-based ceramics, CaTiO3-modified [(K0.5Na0.5)(0.94)Li-0.06](Nb-0.941-Sb-0.06)O-3 lead-free ceramics were prepared. The effects of the CaTiO3 on the electrical properties and temperature stability of the ceramics were studied. It was found that these CaTiO3-modified ceramics possess good electrical properties (d(33) = 252 pC/N and k(P) = 49%) and improved temperature stability for the polymorphic phase transition below room temperature. These results indicate that these materials are promising candidates for lead-free piezoelectric ceramics for practical applications. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.