Lead Free Strontium Barium Niobate Ferroelctric Ceramics - A Review on Synthesis, Microstructure and Dielectric Properties

Environmental concerns have led to a strong focus on the development of lead free materials for ever expanding electroceramics industry. Strontium barium niobate (SBN) (Sr(x)Ba(1-x)Nb(2)O(6), 0.20 <= x <= 0.80) is a promising lead free ferroelectric. Large composition range provides an opportunity to design SBN with desired properties for applications in pyroelectric, photo-refractive, electro-optic, surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. However, abnormal grain growth, on conventional sintering, and resultant deterioration in dielectric properties have plagued the applications of this material. Many synthesis routes have been attempted to overcome this problem that are discussed here with merits and demerits. General features of ferroelectric ceramics and various synthesis routes for SBN are reviewed and form second part of the review. Finally, our strategies to suppress the abnormal grain growth through novel and modified synthesis processes and improved dielectric performance of SBN are outlined