Microscale Mechanical Properties of (1–x)Sr(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3–xBiFeO3 Ceramics

Abstract

This study investigates the micro–scale mechanical behavior and crystal structure of                                 (1–x)Sr(Fe_0.5Nb_0.5)O₃–xBiFeO₃ ceramics (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10) synthesized via solid–state reaction. X–ray diffraction analysis confirmed a pure orthorhombic perovskite phase for x ≤ 0.05, whereas the x = 0.10 composition exhibited a secondary phase. Archimedes density measurements showed an increase from 4.28 g/cm³ (x = 0.00) to 5.53 g/cm³ (x = 0.10). Vickers microhardness testing revealed a maximum hardness of 4.80 GPa at x = 0.05, which decreased to 3.04 GPa at x = 0.10 due to secondary phase formation and microstructural porosity. The BiFeO₃ content should be limited to x ≤ 0.05 to prevent the emergence of undesirable secondary phases and porosity that compromise mechanical performance. Ceramics with optimized BiFeO₃ loading are therefore well suited for micro energy harvesting devices, microscale pressure sensors, and micro–actuators requiring high durability at the microscale.