Abstract: The microstructure and piezoelectric properties of Pb[(Zr0.52Ti0.48)0.95(Mn1/3Nb2/3)0.05]O3 (PMnN-PZT) ceramics have been investigated at different sintering temperatures from 1070℃ to 1280℃. The experimental results suggest that grain sizes and electromechanical properties of the ceramics show strong sintering temperature dependences. Double polarization to electric field (P-E) loops of the PMnN-PZT ceramics are assumed to be the result of the pinning effect of the defect dipoles. The results obtained through X-ray photoelectron spectrum suggest that sintering temperature affects valence of the Mn ion and quantity of oxygen vacancies. Hence, a proper explanation is proposed to illustrate the fluctuation of mechanical quality factor (Qm) due to the sintering temperature.

Key words: Sintering temperature, Piezoelectric properties, Oxygen vacancies, PMnN-PZT