Effect of domain structure on the mechanical and piezoelectric properties of lead-free alkali niobate ceramics

Load-bearing applications, such as actuators, require sufficient mechanical properties to guarantee long lifetime and reliability. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics show relatively low mechanical strength which decreases after applying an electric field. Thus far, evaluations of the mechanical properties have not been the focus in the case of alkali niobate-based (NKN) ceramics. For this purpose, differently poled Lix(Na0.5K0.5)1−xNbO3 ceramics have been observed by means of 3-point bending tests. Best results were achieved with Li0.02Na0.49K0.49NbO3, with a flexural strength of 115 MPa in unpoled state. This value was maximized at a 90° domain switching fraction η of about 20% to 134 MPa. Other compositions showed similar behavior, which led to the idea that domain switching can be used to enhance the mechanical properties of NKN ceramics. Internal stresses induced via domain reorientation might be the cause of this phenomenon and will be examined in this study.