Lead-free Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 ferroelectric ceramics with refined microstructure and high strain under electric field by mechanosynthesis

Lead-free ferroelectric Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 stands out among environmentally friendly alternatives to commercial Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 piezoceramics for its large piezoelectric coefficients, and it is especially suitable applications in which thermal depoling not an issue like bio-implanted devices. However, ceramic processing by conventional means consistently results exaggerated grain growth, compromises reliability has prevented transfer industry. We report here the application of high-energy milling mechanosynthesis nanocrystalline powders with enhanced reactivity, control growth during obtain materials tailored microstructures decreasing sizes down sub-10 µm range. Characterization electrical electromechanical properties was accomplished uncovered triggering a new mechanism very strain under electric field fine-grained ceramics. Process optimization precursor selection preliminary up-scaling studies are also presented.