Improved properties of Sm substituted PCT ceramics using microwave sintering

Conventional and microwave sintering techniques were employed to compare the structural, electrical and piezoelectric properties of present system. It has been observed that the microwave-sintered PCT ceramics show better densification, fine and uniform grain size, low dielectric loss, and improved kt/kp ratio. This promising technique has distinguished characteristics of energy-saving, rapid processing, and uniform temperature distribution throughout the sample. The value of coercive field, Ec is slightly higher for microwave-sintered sample. The possible mechanisms are explained.