Eur. Phys. J. AP 11, 9-13 (2000)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap:2000140

Lead-free ferroelectric relaxor ceramics derived from BaTiO₃^*

Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée - CNRS, 87 avenue A. Schweitzer, 33608 Pessac, France

Corresponding author: jean.ravez@icmcb.u-bordeaux.fr

Received: 4 February 2000
Revised: 15 May 2000
Accepted: 15 May 2000
Published online: 15 July 2000

Abstract

A large number of lead-free BaTiO₃-based ceramics were prepared. Depending on the composition, some of them exhibit a relaxor behaviour whose characteristics were related to the type of ionic substitution and to the substitution rate. The relaxor effect is all the more favoured as the composition deviates more from BaTiO₃ and as the substitution is heterovalent in the 6-coordination number crystallographic site. Some of these materials could prove valuable (dielectrics for capacitors and actuators) because they are environment-friendly.