(My MS degree thesis work)

Highly oriented, polar (Ba_xSr_2-x)TiSi₂O₈ glass-ceramics with piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties were prepared by a gradient temperature heat treatment technique. The crystallization mechanism and microstructures of (Ba_xSr_2-x)TiSi₂O₈ glass-ceramics were investigated by means of DTA, XRD and SEM. The dielectric, piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties were investigated for various compositions. The results show that polar (Ba_xSr_2-x)TiSi₂O₈ glass-ceramics have a low dielectric constant and a high hydrostatic figure of merit d _h* g _h = ~2500. This high hydrostatic figure of merit, along with other unique characteristics, such as no aging or depoling problems and good stability at high temperatures, high pressure and in harsh environments, makes (Ba_xSr_2-x)TiSi₂O₈ glass-ceramics attractive for use as hydrophones and high temperature IR detectors. The prototype BSTS glass-ceramic IR detector and hydrophone were also made and tested in this research.