Physical properties and phase transitions in perovskite Pb[Zr1-x(Ni1/3Nb2/3)x]O3 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) ceramics

A solid solution of lead zirconate -lead nickel niobate ceramics, Pb[Zr(1-x)(Ni(1/3)Nb(2/3))(x)]O(3) (PZNN) with x = 0.0-0.5, was synthesized via the columbite precursor method. The crystal structures as well as the thermal and dielectric properties were investigated in terms of the lead nickel niobate (PNN) concentration. X-ray diffraction indicated that all samples exhibited a single-phase perovskite structure. At room temperature, Pb[Zr(1-x)(Ni(1/3)Nb(2/3))(x)]O(3) is orthorhombic for a composition where x = 0, rhombohedral for the compositions where x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 and pseudo-cubic for compositions where x = 0.4 and 0.5. The results of the addition of lead nickel niobate to the lead zirconate ceramic showed enhancement of the room-temperature dielectric permittivity. Lead nickel niobate substitution also led to lower transition temperatures. Furthermore, this transition from normal to relaxor FE ceramics was typified by a quasi-linear relationship between the diffuseness parameter delta(gamma) and the PNN mole fraction x.