Piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics synthesized by spray drying method

Potassium–sodium niobate was synthesized at 800 °C for 1 h using dried precursors in a powder form obtained by the spray drying method. Different samples were sintered from 1060 to 1120 °C for 2 h reaching a relative density as high as 96% of the theoretical value. Piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties were studied for these samples and some of the most prominent results are: kp, d31, 2Pr, and 2EC of 0.36, 39 pC/N, 29 μC/cm2 and 16.5 kV/cm, respectively, for the sample sintered at 1080 °C. The methodology presented in this study can be used to synthesize submicrometer powders.