Multiscale study of ferroelectric–relaxor crossover in BaSnxTi1−xO3 ceramics

• Published in: Journal of the European Ceramic Society Vol. 34; no. 15; pp. 3661 - 3674
• Main Authors: Horchidan, N., Ianculescu, A.C., Vasilescu, C.A., Deluca, M., Musteata, V., Ursic, H., Frunza, R., Malic, B., Mitoseriu, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2014
• Subjects: Barium stannate titanate; Domains; Ferroelectric; Local hysteresis; PFM; Domains; Ferroelectric; Barium stannate titanate; PFM; Local hysteresis
• ISSN: 0955-2219; 1873-619X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2014.06.005

A systematic study of BaSnxTi1−xO3 solid solutions (x=0–0.20) by a combined field-induced dielectric and ferroelectric analysis with Raman and PFM investigations was realized, in order to obtain new insights concerning the composition-induced modification of the structural phase transitions and ferroelectric–relaxor crossover induced by the increase of Sn addition. The ceramics prepared via solid state reaction and sintering at 1400°C/4h showed average tetragonal symmetry for x≤0.15 and cubic for x=0.20. However, the dielectric and Raman analysis demonstrated that x=0.05 and x=0.15 are characterized by a coexistence of phases, which enhances their macroscopic properties (polarization for x=0.05 and permittivity for x=0.15). The domain structure shows a gradual modification when increasing Sn addition. No detectable domain structure has been found for x≥0.15. All the compositions show local d33(V) hysteresis loops at room temperature.