Synthesis and dielectric and ferroelectric characterization of nanostructured PZT-based ferroelectric materials

• Grant number: 20/05457-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2020
• End date: June 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: José Antonio Eiras
• Grantee: Nicolas Meira Galvão
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/13769-1 - Multiferroic and ferroelectric materials for energy converters: synthesis, properties, phenomenology and applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

Ferroelectric materials in general have great potential for technological application and have been the subject of numerous fundamental and technological studies. However, despite their exceptional multifunctional character (they are the ones that undoubtedly find the greatest number of technological applications, such as dielectrics, ferroelectric memories, piezoelectrics, thermistors, ...) there are still few groups studying them in Brazil. The Ferroic Materials Group/DF/UFSCar has been working on these materials since 1987, both in the preparation and characterization of ceramic bodies and in thin films. The large number of human resources research and training activities carried out to date has resulted in the proposition of processing/production protocols and phenomenological models to describe some of their properties. In order to deepen the knowledge, especially about the influence of microstructure and symmetry on dielectric properties, under DC electric field, we are proposing this work plan (as a part of the Thematic Project (FAPESP 2017 / 13769-1 - abstract in attachment).This work plan has the following specific objectives: a) Train the candidate in the synthesis of ceramic materials by the conventional method, in comparative sintering by conventional method (CS) and by "Spark Plasma Sintering/SPS" evaluated through structural, morphological, dielectric and ferroelectric characterizations; b) Compare dielectric and ferroelectric properties of microstructured ceramics (CS) with those of nanostructured ceramics (SPS) and investigate the influence of the mean grain size on the dielectric properties under the action of a DC electric field, superimposed on the AC proving field (in-depth analysis of the results must be made by other members of the group and collaborators). (AU)