Fast synthesis and sintering of (Na0.48,K0.52)NbO3 piezoelectric ceramics assisted by microwave furnace

• Grant number: 15/03192-3
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): February 29, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Manuel Henrique Lente
• Grantee: Camila Alves Ribeiro
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this project is to investigate the synthesis and sintering of piezoelectric ceramics (Na0.52, K0.48) NbO3 by fast heating in an hybrid microwave furnace. It is proposed to synthesize powders and sintering ceramics of (Na0.52,K0.48)NbO3 by using different rates of heating and different temperatures of calcination and sintering as well. Bu adopting this strategy, we intend to produce at the end of this study piezoelectric ceramics of (Na0.52,K0.48)NbO3 stoichiometric, with high density, high microstructural and structural homogeneity and free-from secondary phases. Therefore, the development of this project will provide relevant subsidies to increase our competitiveness in research, development and technological innovation in the areas of synthesis and production of lead-free piezoelectric materials to be used in ultrasonic transducers. The main objectives of this project are:1. Synthesis of (Na0.52 K0.48)NbO3 powders by solid state reaction through fast heating in a hybrid microwave furnace;2. Densification of (Na0.52,K0.48)NbO3 ceramics through fast heating in an hybrid microwave furnace;3. Reduction of the volatilization problems of alkaline elements by decreasing both the temperature of calcination and sintering;4. Production of powders and ceramics with high microstructural and structural homogeneity;5. Improvement of the piezoelectric and dielectric properties;6. Training of human resources. (AU)