Structural and Piezoelectric Characterization of Pr³⁺ Modified (1-x)Pb(Zr_1-yTi_y)O₃ – xPb(Mn_1/3Sb_2/3)O₃ Ceramic

Abstract 0.88Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 – 0.12Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)O3 – 0,02 at%E piezoelectric ceramics, with E = Pr3+ were synthesized by using a conventional method, namely a solid state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed for the structural and microstructural investigations. Piezoelectric methods were used for the dielectric and piezoelectric properties determination. The results of XRD show a perovskite structure and XRD patterns, indexing on a tetragonal cell structure, was carried out for the most common phases. The SEM micrographs of the sintered compositions reveal a homogenous structure with a sharp or rounded grain boundary. The modified PZT ceramic presents still superior piezoelectric properties. Based on the results obtained, one can conclude that the analysed piezoelectric ceramics are useful for device applications.