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PbNb2O6 HP

Other

HP = hot-pressed / high-density lead metaniobate

Pick the hot-pressed route when higher density (6.2 g/cm³), higher strength and thinner plates for high-frequency probes are required; unit cost is markedly higher.

High cost $$$$

Values for the HP condition

Other PbNb2O6 tempers and conditions

PbNb2O6 is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at PbNb2O6.

Compare all 4 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
SINTDefault
Sintered
Choose this conventionally pressed and sintered commercial grade (EC-97 / K81 class) for broadband NDT probes and general pulse-echo transducers at the best cost-to-performance ratio.—250.05300 HV2 W/m·K
Barium-modified lead metaniobate (Pb,Ba)Nb2O6
Choose barium substitution when higher permittivity and easier capacitance matching are needed for low-impedance broadband array elements; the Curie point drops further, capping service at 200 °C.—250290 HV2 W/m·K
Calcium-modified lead metaniobate (Pb,Ca)Nb2O6
Use the calcium-modified (Pb,Ca)Nb2O6 composition, where Ca partly replaces Pb to raise piezoelectric activity and sinterability, for medium-to-high sensitivity broadband probes; the Curie point falls, limiting service to 250 °C.—270310 HV2 W/m·K
HPThis page
Hot-pressed / high-density lead metaniobate
Pick the hot-pressed route when higher density (6.2 g/cm³), higher strength and thinner plates for high-frequency probes are required; unit cost is markedly higher.—350380 HV2 W/m·K

What is PbNb2O6 HP?

PbNb2O6 HP is PbNb2O6 in the HP condition — pick the hot-pressed route when higher density (6.2 g/cm³), higher strength and thinner plates for high-frequency probes are required; unit cost is markedly higher. PbNb2O6 HP has a tensile strength of 35 MPa (5.08 ksi), weaker than 71% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 60 GPa (8.7 Msi). PbNb2O6 HP has a density of 6.2 g/cm³ (0.224 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,350°C (2,462 °F). SINT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; HP is available on request or by drawing note.

Limitations

  • Poor heat conductor — 2 W/m·K (1.16 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 87% of ceramic grades
  • Low stiffness — 60 GPa (8.7 Msi), worse than 83% of ceramic grades
  • Hard to polish — 60/100, worse than 79% of ceramic grades
  • Limited service temperature — 450°C (842 °F), worse than 77% of ceramic grades

PbNb2O6 HP properties

Typical room-temperature values for PbNb2O6 HP; 17 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PbNb2O6 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.

Physical3

PbNb2O6 HP has a density of 6.2 g/cm³ (0.224 lb/in³), heavier than 68% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,350°C (2,462 °F).

Density6.2 g/cm³0.22 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)1,350°C2,462 °F
Porosity1%

Mechanical11

PbNb2O6 HP has a tensile strength of 35 MPa (5.08 ksi), weaker than 71% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 60 GPa (8.7 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus60 GPa8.7 Msi
Shear Modulus18 GPa2.6 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.24
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)35 MPa5.1 ksi
Elongation at Break0%
Compressive Strength500 MPa72.5 ksi
Flexural Strength80 MPa11.6 ksi
Shear Strength60 MPa8.7 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)1.2 MPa·√m1.1 ksi·√in
Hardness, Vickers380 HV
Hardness, Mohs5

Thermal5

PbNb2O6 HP is rated for continuous service to 450°C (842 °F). It conducts heat at 2 W/m·K (1.16 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 87% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 3.5 µm/m·K (1.94 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity2 W/m·K1.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity320 J/kg·K0.08 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)3.5 µm/m·K1.9 µin/in·°F
Max Service Temperature (continuous)450°C842 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical5

PbNb2O6 HP is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 6 kV/mm (152.4 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹¹ Ω·m.

Electrical Resistivity1×10¹¹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁸ µΩ·in
Dielectric Strength6 kV/mm152 V/mil
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)250
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)0.01
Volume Resistivity1×10¹² Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental2

Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), worse than 59% of ceramic grades.

Corrosion ResistanceVery good70/100
Chemical Resistance Summary—

Manufacturability3

PbNb2O6 HP's machinability is not recommended (5/100, worse than 59% of ceramic grades).

MachinabilityNot recommended5/100
PolishabilityGood60/100
Sintering / Firing Temperature1,270°C2,318 °F

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

Working with PbNb2O6 HP

Is PbNb2O6 easy to machine?

Only diamond wheel grinding and wire sawing/slicing are possible. The material is brittle and porous, so remove the damaged surface layer after grinding and re-assess the depoling/poling state.

Can PbNb2O6 be welded?

The ceramic is not weldable; connection to metal relies on soldering the fired silver electrode with low-temperature solder below 200 °C to avoid depoling, or on conductive adhesive bonding.

Can PbNb2O6 be formed, bent or molded?

Dry pressing, isostatic pressing or tape casting followed by sintering at 1230–1320 °C; a lead-bearing protective atmosphere is required and the phase-transition range must be passed quickly to avoid cracking. The hot-pressing route gives higher density.

What surface finishes work on PbNb2O6?

After sintering, grind flat, then screen-print or sputter silver/nickel electrodes and fire them, and pole at high field in silicone oil. Nickel or gold plating can be added to improve solderability.

PbNb2O6 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
Pbabout 45.6 wt% as PbO; partly Ca/Ba-substituted in modified grades40 – 43.542.4
Nbabout 54.4 wt% as Nb2O536.5 – 3938
Ostoichiometric oxygenbalance—

PbNb2O6 HP — frequently asked

What is PbNb2O6 HP used for?

PbNb2O6 HP is typically used for NDT ultrasonic probes, medical imaging transducers and broadband hydrophones. In short: lowest mechanical-Q piezoceramic; best broadband pulse response; lead-bearing composition.

What is the tensile strength of PbNb2O6 HP?

PbNb2O6 HP has a typical tensile strength of 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) — weaker than 71% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.

Is PbNb2O6 HP easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (5/100, worse than 59% of ceramic grades). Only diamond wheel grinding and wire sawing/slicing are possible. The material is brittle and porous, so remove the damaged surface layer after grinding and re-assess the depoling/poling state.

Can PbNb2O6 HP be welded?

The ceramic is not weldable; connection to metal relies on soldering the fired silver electrode with low-temperature solder below 200 °C to avoid depoling, or on conductive adhesive bonding.

What surface finishes work on PbNb2O6 HP?

After sintering, grind flat, then screen-print or sputter silver/nickel electrodes and fire them, and pole at high field in silicone oil. Nickel or gold plating can be added to improve solderability.

Can PbNb2O6 HP be formed, bent or molded?

Dry pressing, isostatic pressing or tape casting followed by sintering at 1230–1320 °C; a lead-bearing protective atmosphere is required and the phase-transition range must be passed quickly to avoid cracking. The hot-pressing route gives higher density.

What is the maximum service temperature of PbNb2O6 HP?

PbNb2O6 HP is rated for continuous use to about 450°C (842 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

Sources

  1. Lead Metaniobate Piezoelectric Ceramic Data (EC-97 / K81 / K85 class) — EDO Ceramics / Piezo Kinetics (2018)
  2. Piezoceramic Materials Data — Pz35 / high-damping niobate grades — Meggitt Ferroperm Piezoceramics (2021)
  3. Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.4 — Ceramics and Glasses (piezoelectric ceramics) — ASM International (1991)
  4. IEEE 176 Standard on Piezoelectricity — IEEE (1987)

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.