EFFECT OF Nb₂O₅ ON THE ELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF PZT FERROELECTRIC MATERIALS

A series of ferroelectric ceramics with the compositional formula PbZr_0.52Ti_0.48O₃ + x wt% of Nb₂O₅ were prepared by the solid state reaction method. Samples were characterized by studying their X-ray diffraction and dielectric measurements. The longitudinal and shear wave velocities and corresponding elastic moduli were determined at room temperature by using the pulse transmission technique. The values of Young's modulus (E), and the rigidity (n) and bulk (k) moduli were corrected to theoretical density and were found to increase with increasing dopant concentration. The variation of elastic moduli and other elastic parameters such as Debye temperature (θ_D) with composition are explained qualitatively.