Influence of the preparation on the microstructure and ferroelectricity ofthe (SBN)(1-x)(BTN)(x) ceramics

Ceramics of compositions within the solid solution system (SrBi2Nb2O9)(1-x) (Bi3TiNbO9)(x) have been obtained for 0 less than or equal to x less than o r equal to 1. Two preparation methods for the ceramic precursor powder were tested: a) thermal treatment of the oxides and carbonates mixture until sy nthesis of the composition and b) mechanochemical activation by mining of t he oxides and carbonates mixture until amorphization. Both precursor powders are isostatically pressed to get the pellets for sin tering in air. Sintered ceramics from amorphous powder show the higher dens ity (96-98% of theoretical density) and lower size grain than those from sy nthesized powder (densification of 93-94%). Ferro-piezoelectric characterization shows the expected variation of the Cu rie temperature as a function of the composition and better ferro-piezoelec tric response of sintered ceramics from amorphous powder are obtained.