Piezoelectric properties of BiFeO/sub 3/-PbTiO/sub 3/ ceramics

Polycrystalline (1-x)BiFeO/sub 3/-(x)PbTiO/sub 3/ ceramics (where x=0.2, 0.3 and 0.5) doped with low concentrations of Sb have been produced via a mixed oxide route. Ceramic disks were thinned and electroded and the high electric field resistivity measured at 100 and 150/spl deg/C in order to mimic poling conditions. It was found that the high field resistivity was sensitive to composition in undoped materials, and that low dopant concentrations of Sb provided a marked increase in resistivity. This improvement in resistivity increased the maximum permissible poling field by 30% at 150/spl deg/C for (BiFeO/sub 3/)/sub 0.7/-(PbTiO/sub 3/)/sub 0.3/ with 0.2 at% doping compared to the undoped materials.