Grain oriented crystallization, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric propertiesof (BaxSr2-x)TiSi2O8 glass ceramics

Polar, nonferroelectric (BaxSr2-x)TiSi2O8 glass ceramics with highly orient ed crystallites were prepared by a gradient temperature heat treatment tech nique. The crystallization mechanism and microstructures of (BaxSr2-x)TiSi2 O8 glass ceramics were investigated by means of differential thermal analys is, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and the dielectric, piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties were investigated for various co mpositions. The results show that polar (BaxSr2-x)TiSi2O8 glass ceramics ha ve a low dielectric constant and a high hydrostatic figure of merit d(h) X g(h) = similar to 2500. This high hydrostatic figure of merit, along with o ther unique characteristics, such as no aging or depoling problems and good stability at high temperatures, high pressure, and in harsh environments, makes (BaxSr2-x)TiSi2O8 glass ceramics attractive for use as hydrophones an d high temperature infrared detectors. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physi cs. [S0021-8979(99)06712-2].