[ $[Li_{0.04}(Na_{0.54}K_{0.46})_{0.96}](Nb_{1-0.04-X}TaxSb_{0.04})O_3$ ]lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been prepared by normal sintering at $1,100^{\circ}C$ for 5 h. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that specimens demonstrate orthorhombic ...
[ $[Li_{0.04}(Na_{0.54}K_{0.46})_{0.96}](Nb_{1-0.04-X}TaxSb_{0.04})O_3$ ]lead-free piezoelectric ceramics have been prepared by normal sintering at $1,100^{\circ}C$ for 5 h. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that specimens demonstrate orthorhombic symmetry when $Ta\leq5$ mol%. While transforming into tetragonal symmetry when $x\geq20$ mol%. These suggest that the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases co-exist in the ceramics with 5 mol% <Ta<20 mol% at room temperature. All samples have high density, ranging from 4.46 to 4.79 g/$cm^3$. As the result of SEM images, the grain growth was decreased with the increase of Ta substitution. The ceramics become 'softening', leading to improvements in $k_p$, $\varepsilon_r$ and $d_{33}$, but a decrease in $Q_m$. Excellent properties of $k_p$= 0.46, $d_{33}$= 293 pC/N, ${\varepsilon}_r$= 1,583 and Tc= $340^{\circ}C$ were obtained when Ta= 15 mol%.