Optimizing Structural and Electrical Properties of PMN-PT-PMS Ceramics via Sintering Temperature

Pseudo-ternary piezoelectric ceramics of PMN-PT [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3] composition modified with PMS [Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)O3] were produced by solid-state sintering method using different temperatures in a range of 1100-1250 °C. The effect of sintering temperature on the crystal phases, microstructure and electrical properties were systematically investigated. Microstructural and compositional analyses have been carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Besides, electrical characterization was performed using an inductance- capacitanceresistance (LCR) meter, impedance analyzer and a Berlincourt d33-piezometer. XRD and SEM results indicated that the sintering temperature was effective on the formation of a homogeneous microstructure and a pure perovskite structure. Densification during sintering could not be completed and pure perovskite structure was not o tained at 1150 °C and lower sintering temperatures. Furthermore, sintering at temperatures higher than 1200 °C resulted in heterogeneous microstructure. The high dielectric and piezoelectric response of PMN-PT-PMS ceramics is considered to be a result of their high densities and homogeneous microstructure obtained via proper sintering condition. The results showed that the ceramic samples sintered at 1175 °C for 2 h possessed the optimum properties (d33=265 pC/N, KT=4745, kp=0.417, tanδ=2.5%, Qm=222).