We report on the growth and terroelectric properties of SBN-0.61 doped with 0.25 and 0.5 wt% Nd2O3. Nd-doping leads to a strong lowering of the phase transition temperature and consequent increase of certain parameters. Dielectric hysteresis loops reveal anomalies related to a relaxation of origin of SBN. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.