Influence of Sintering Time on Electrical Properties, Densification, and Microstructure of PMN-PT-PMS Piezoelectric Ceramics

Abstract

The effect of sintering soaking time on the dielectric, piezoelectric, and structural properties of PMN-PT-PMS [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3-Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)O3] ceramics was systematically investigated. High density samples were prepared using solid-state sintering technique with different soaking times (60-150 min). Rhombohedral perovskite structure was the dominant phase for all soaking times, confirmed by XRD analysis. However, the pure perovskite structure could not be preserved at sintering times over 120 min. SEM micrographs indicated that homogeneous microstructures were obtained for all soaking times and the grain and pore sizes increased slightly with longer sintering time. Dielectric and piezoelectric test results showed that the optimum value of dielectric constant, electromechanical coupling factor, and piezoelectric strain coefficient was obtained for PMN-PT-PMS when sintered for 90 min. Ceramic samples with high density and perovskite structure prepared by proper sintering condition yielded high dielectric and piezoelectric response.