Influence of the sintering temperature on phase development in PMnN–PZT ceramics

0.07Pb(Mn1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.468PbZrO3–0.462PbTiO3 ceramics were prepared by the conventional mixed oxide route and the influence of sintering temperature on their characteristics was studied. Crystal phases were characterized in the coexistence region of the tetragonal and rhombohedral phases, which has been found to occur within the sintering temperature range 1050–1250 °C. The cell parameters aT and cT of the tetragonal phase decreased, whereas the parameter aR of the rhombohedral phase increased as the sintering temperature increased in the phase coexistence region. The relative amount of the rhombohedral phase decreased as the sintering temperature increased. The relationships between microstructure, mechanical quality factor (Qm), and electromechanical coupling factor (kp) are discussed.