Structure, microstructure, and functional properties of modified sodium niobate ceramics

Ceramic samples of new compositions (1−x)(0.9NaNbO3 − 0.1BaTiO3) − xBaZrO3 (x = 0 ÷ 0.05) modified by SiO2 oxide additive were prepared; their phase composition, structure parameters, microstructure, dielectric and ferroelectric properties were studied. Formation of a phase with a perovskite structure with a tetragonal unit cell was established, which volume increased due to partial replacement of A and B cations by Ba2+ and Zr4+ ones with large ionic radii. Decrease in the temperature of ferroelectric phase transitions and corresponding increase in polarization and electrocaloric effect indicates a positive effect of doping on the functional properties of sodium niobate-based ceramics. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.