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BNT-BT-KNN

Grade

Relaxor composition (e.g. 0.92BNT–0.06BT–0.02KNN) giving giant field-induced strain (>0.3 %) for lead-free actuators, at the cost of large hysteresis, high driving field and near-zero small-signal d33.

High cost $$$$

Values for the BNT-BT-KNN condition

Other BNT tempers and conditions

BNT is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at BNT.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
1-x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–xBi0.5K0.5TiO3 (x ≈ 0.16–0.20
Rhombohedral–tetragonal MPB with a higher depolarization temperature than BNT-BT; choose when the device must run warmer than ~100 °C.—420.05500 HV2 W/m·K
BNT-BT-KNNThis page
ternary relaxor (incipient piezoelectric) actuator composition
Relaxor composition (e.g. 0.92BNT–0.06BT–0.02KNN) giving giant field-induced strain (>0.3 %) for lead-free actuators, at the cost of large hysteresis, high driving field and near-zero small-signal d33.—420.05510 HV2 W/m·K
0.94(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–0.06BaTiO3, MPB composition
The workhorse commercial BNT solid solution at the rhombohedral/tetragonal MPB — best d33 and easiest poling, but depolarizes near 100 °C so keep operating temperature low.———520 HV—
BNTDefault
Pure Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3, pressureless sintered
Baseline pure composition: highest Curie point and depolarization temperature of the family, but hard to pole (Ec ≈ 7 kV/mm) and modest d33 — pick for research and higher-temperature ferroelectric use.———550 HV—

What is BNT-BT-KNN?

BNT-BT-KNN is BNT in the BNT-BT-KNN grade — relaxor composition (e.g. 0.92BNT–0.06BT–0.02KNN) giving giant field-induced strain (>0.3 %) for lead-free actuators, at the cost of large hysteresis, high driving field and near-zero small-signal d33. The elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi). BNT-BT-KNN has a density of 5.8 g/cm³ (0.21 lb/in³), heavier than 61% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,300°C (2,372 °F). BNT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; BNT-BT-KNN is available on request or by drawing note.

Limitations

  • Limited service temperature — 90°C (194 °F), worse than 97% of ceramic grades
  • Poor heat conductor — 1.5 W/m·K (0.867 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 92% of ceramic grades

BNT-BT-KNN properties

Typical room-temperature values for BNT-BT-KNN; 17 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are BNT reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.

Physical4

BNT-BT-KNN has a density of 5.8 g/cm³ (0.21 lb/in³), heavier than 61% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,300°C (2,372 °F).

Density5.8 g/cm³0.21 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,300°C2,372 °F
Refractive Index2.55
Porosity3%

Mechanical9

The elastic modulus is 100 GPa (14.5 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus100 GPa14.5 Msi
Shear Modulus43 GPa6.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus90 GPa13.1 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.28
Compressive Strength540 MPa78.3 ksi
Flexural Strength90 MPa13.1 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)1.1 MPa·√m1 ksi·√in
Hardness, Vickers510 HV
Hardness, Mohs6

Thermal5

BNT-BT-KNN is rated for continuous service to 90°C (194 °F). It conducts heat at 1.5 W/m·K (0.867 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 92% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 9 µm/m·K (5 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity1.5 W/m·K0.87 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity400 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)9 µm/m·K5 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)90°C194 °F
Min Service Temperature-50°C-58 °F

Electrical5

BNT-BT-KNN is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 7 kV/mm (177.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 3×10⁸ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity3×10⁸ Ω·m1.18×10¹⁶ µΩ·in
Dielectric Strength7 kV/mm178 V/mil
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)1,500
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)0.045
Volume Resistivity1×10¹¹ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental2

Corrosion resistance is very good (80/100), better than 56% of ceramic grades.

Corrosion ResistanceVery good80/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryStable in air, neutral water and mild alkali; attacked by hot concentrated HCl/H2SO4 and by HF. Na-rich surface can leach in prolonged humid/acidic exposure, so hermetic or coated packaging is preferred for long-life devices.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of BNT-BT-KNN takes about 95 MJ of energy and emits 8.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 57% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)95 MJ/kg40,843 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)8.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water200 L/kg24 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content0%

Manufacturability3

BNT-BT-KNN's machinability is not recommended (5/100, worse than 59% of ceramic grades).

MachinabilityNot recommended5/100
PolishabilityVery good78/100
Sintering / Firing Temperature1,130°C2,066 °F

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with BNT-BT-KNN

Is BNT easy to machine?

Green machining or tape casting before firing; fired parts only by diamond grinding, lapping and ultrasonic/laser drilling — brittle and prone to edge chipping.

Can BNT be welded?

Not weldable; join by silver/epoxy electroding, glass frit or active-metal brazing to metallized surfaces.

Can BNT be formed, bent or molded?

Solid-state calcination of Bi2O3/Na2CO3/TiO2 then uniaxial or CIP pressing, tape casting or screen printing; sinter 1100–1200 °C in sealed sagger with a Bi/Na-rich atmosphere powder to curb volatilization.

What surface finishes work on BNT?

Lap to thickness, fire-on silver or sputtered Cr/Au electrodes, then pole in silicone oil at 4–8 kV/mm (higher field than PZT) and age before test.

BNT chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Bias Bi2O3 in the A-site (0.5 formula units)48.5 – 5049.3
Naas Na2CO3 precursor; volatile above ~1150 °C5.2 – 5.65.43
TiB-site, from TiO222.2 – 2322.6
Operovskite ABO3 lattice oxygenbalance—

BNT-BT-KNN — frequently asked

What is BNT-BT-KNN used for?

BNT-BT-KNN is typically used for lead-free actuators, lead-free sensors and energy harvesting devices. In short: lead-free PZT alternative; relaxor ferroelectric ceramic; 150 °C service ceiling.

Is BNT-BT-KNN easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (5/100, worse than 59% of ceramic grades). Green machining or tape casting before firing; fired parts only by diamond grinding, lapping and ultrasonic/laser drilling — brittle and prone to edge chipping.

Can BNT-BT-KNN be welded?

Not weldable; join by silver/epoxy electroding, glass frit or active-metal brazing to metallized surfaces.

What surface finishes work on BNT-BT-KNN?

Lap to thickness, fire-on silver or sputtered Cr/Au electrodes, then pole in silicone oil at 4–8 kV/mm (higher field than PZT) and age before test.

Can BNT-BT-KNN be formed, bent or molded?

Solid-state calcination of Bi2O3/Na2CO3/TiO2 then uniaxial or CIP pressing, tape casting or screen printing; sinter 1100–1200 °C in sealed sagger with a Bi/Na-rich atmosphere powder to curb volatilization.

What is the maximum service temperature of BNT-BT-KNN?

BNT-BT-KNN is rated for continuous use to about 90°C (194 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. Perovskite lead-free piezoelectric ceramics — review of BNT-based systems — Journal of the American Ceramic Society / J. Electroceram. (2019)
  2. PIC700 lead-free bismuth-sodium-titanate piezoceramic data — PI Ceramic GmbH (2023)
  3. IEC 60483 / IEEE 176 Standard on Piezoelectricity — IEC / IEEE (1987)
  4. Lead-free piezoceramic property compilations (BNT, BNT-BT, BNT-BKT) — Materials Project / MatWeb-class aggregators (2024)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.