PbNb2O6 PCN
Grade
PCN = 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.
Values for the PCN 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 datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | — | 25 | 0.05 | 300 HV | 2 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. | — | 25 | 0 | 290 HV | 2 W/m·K |
PCNThis page 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. | — | 27 | 0 | 310 HV | 2 W/m·K |
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. | — | 35 | 0 | 380 HV | 2 W/m·K |
What is PbNb2O6 PCN?
PbNb2O6 PCN is PbNb2O6 in the PCN grade — 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. PbNb2O6 PCN has a tensile strength of 27 MPa (3.92 ksi), weaker than 82% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 48 GPa (6.96 Msi). PbNb2O6 PCN has a density of 5.8 g/cm³ (0.21 lb/in³), heavier than 61% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,350°C (2,462 °F). SINT is the default condition FabDigit quotes; PCN is available on request or by drawing note.
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 1.6 W/m·K (0.924 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 91% of ceramic grades
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 88% of ceramic grades
- Low stiffness — 48 GPa (6.96 Msi), worse than 84% of ceramic grades
- Low fracture toughness — 1 MPa·√m (0.91 ksi·√in), worse than 84% of ceramic grades
- Limited service temperature — 250°C (482 °F), worse than 82% of ceramic grades
PbNb2O6 PCN properties
Typical room-temperature values for PbNb2O6 PCN; 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 PCN has a density of 5.8 g/cm³ (0.21 lb/in³), heavier than 61% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,350°C (2,462 °F).
Mechanical11
PbNb2O6 PCN has a tensile strength of 27 MPa (3.92 ksi), weaker than 82% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 48 GPa (6.96 Msi).
Thermal5
PbNb2O6 PCN is rated for continuous service to 250°C (482 °F). It conducts heat at 1.6 W/m·K (0.924 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 91% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 3.5 µm/m·K (1.94 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
PbNb2O6 PCN is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 6 kV/mm (152.4 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁰ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is good (63/100), worse than 69% of ceramic grades.
Manufacturability3
PbNb2O6 PCN's machinability is not recommended (6/100, better than 61% of ceramic grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PbNb2O6 PCN
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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Pbabout 45.6 wt% as PbO; partly Ca/Ba-substituted in modified grades | 40 – 43.5 | 42.4 |
| Nbabout 54.4 wt% as Nb2O5 | 36.5 – 39 | 38 |
| Ostoichiometric oxygen | balance | — |
PbNb2O6 PCN — frequently asked
What is PbNb2O6 PCN used for?
PbNb2O6 PCN 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 PCN?
PbNb2O6 PCN has a typical tensile strength of 27 MPa (3.92 ksi) — weaker than 82% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is PbNb2O6 PCN easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (6/100, better than 61% 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 PCN 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 PCN?
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 PCN 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 PCN?
PbNb2O6 PCN is rated for continuous use to about 250°C (482 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- Lead Metaniobate Piezoelectric Ceramic Data (EC-97 / K81 / K85 class) — EDO Ceramics / Piezo Kinetics (2018)
- Piezoceramic Materials Data — Pz35 / high-damping niobate grades — Meggitt Ferroperm Piezoceramics (2021)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.4 — Ceramics and Glasses (piezoelectric ceramics) — ASM International (1991)
- 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.