Large strain and low hysteresis in (0.64-x) Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃- 0.36Sr_0.7Bi_0.2TiO₃- x(K_0.5La_0.5)(Ti_0.9Zr_0.1)O₃ piezoceramics

In this work, (0.64-x)Bi_0.5Na_0.5TiO₃- 0.36Sr_0.7Bi_0.2TiO₃- x(K_0.5La_0.5)(Ti_0.9Zr_0.1)O₃ lead-free piezoceramics were designed and fabricated by a conventional solid-phase sintering process. It is found that large strains (0.33 %), low hysteresis coefficients (32 %), and large dynamic d₃₃* (367 p.m./V) were obtained at x = 0.01. The large strain originates from the reversible transition of the relaxor to the long-range ferroelectric order in the electric field. When the ferroelectric and relaxor phases coexist in a proper ratio, they can provide a favorable condition for the easier movement of the domains and improve the strain properties. In addition, after 10⁵ cycles, the bipolar strain loop of x = 0.01 content changed slightly, demonstrating excellent fatigue resistance. This work provides a new way to design piezoelectric ceramics with large strain and low hysteresis.