Microstructure and Electrical Transport Properties of Bi{sub 3}TiNbO{sub 9} High-Temperature Piezoceramics
High-density ceramic samples of the Bi{sub 3}TiNbO{sub 9} ferroelectric phase with a layered perovskite-like structure have been produced by tape casting slurry technology and hot pressing processes. The samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and dielectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric measurements. The results demonstrate that the samples have a well-defined texture due to the preferential orientation of the basal planes of their platelike grains across the pressing axis or along the film casting direction. The Curie temperature of the samples has been determined to be T{sub C} = 1180 K. The samples have anisotropic electrical transport characteristics. Their piezoelectric constants d{sub 33} in directions perpendicular and parallel to the texture plane is 22 and 5 pC/N, respectively. The conclusion has been drawn that the synthesized materials are potentially attractive for producing high-temperature piezoelectric elements.