Sintering Temperature Influence on the Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of Pb(Mn_(1/3)Sb_(2/3))O_3-PbZrO3-PbTiO_3 Ceramics

The effects of sintering temperature on the microstructure and piezoelectric properties of Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)O3-PbZrO3-PbTiO3 (PMS-PZT) ceramic were investigated. Results show that the optimized properties of er=1530, d33=374pC/N, Kp=0.6, tanδ5=0.41%, Qm=1250 can be obtained when the ceramic sintered at 1240℃ for 2h, which suit for high-power applications. Meanwhile, the ceramic also possesses superior characteristics (er=1370, d33=348pC/N, Kp=0.57, tanδ=0.62% and Qm=1620) for multilayer components and thick-film devices when it sintered at 1150℃. Results also indicate that PMS-PZT ceramic can be sintered in a wide temperature range. High temperature microscope, SEM, TEM, and EDS investigation confirm that PbO and Sb2O5can form a liquid phase acting as a secondary phase on grain boundaries at lower sintering temperature, and then enter the crystal lattice to form perovskite structure at higher sintering temperature.