Improved piezoelectric and electric field-induced strain properties in Eu${}^{3+}$ modified 0.42PMN-0.26PIN-0.32PT ceramics

0.42Pb(Mg${}_{0.335}$Nb${}_{0.665}$)O${}_3$-0.26 Pb(In${}_{0.5}$Nb${}_{0.5}$)O${}_3$-0.32PbTiO${}_3$ (PMINT): x % Eu${}_2$O${}_3$ (x = 0, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5) ternary ceramics were prepared using solid-state reaction technique. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the diffusion of Eu${}^{3+}$ ions in the PMINT lattice and tetragonal structure in the P4mm space group. The temperature and frequency dependence of dielectric measurement revealed the relaxor such as behaviour and high Curie temperature (T${}_c$ ∼ 180 °C) achieved for PMINT: 1% Eu ceramic. High remnant polarization (P${}_r$ ∼ 28.09 µC/cm${}^2$) and coercive field (E${}_c$ ∼ 13.36 kV/cm) were attained for PMINT: 1% Eu and PMINT: 2% Eu samples, respectively. An improved piezoelectric charge coefficient d${}_{33}$ ∼ 462 pC/N was found for PMINT: 1.5% Eu. The unipolar strain vs electric field (S-E) hysteresis loops were investigated and the maximum strain S${}_{max}$ = 0.11% for PMINT: 2.5% Eu and the piezoelectric strain coefficient d${}_{33}$${}^{\ast }$ = 387 pm/V for PMINT: 1.5% Eu. This work provides a new way to fabricate Eu-doped PMINT ternary ceramics, both piezoelectric and induced strain properties can be enhanced simultaneously.