Preparation and properties of PZT–PMN–PMS ceramics by molten salt synthesis

Piezoelectric powders and ceramics with a composition of Pb0.95Sr0.05 (Zr0.52Ti0.48) O3–Pb(Mg1 / 3Nb2 / 3)O3–Pb(Mn1 / 3Sb2 / 3)O3 (PZT–PMN–PMS) were prepared by the molten salt synthesis (MSS) method. It was found that the MSS method significantly improved the sinterability of PZT–PMN–PMS ceramics, resulting in a reduction of sintering temperature by about 100 °C compared to the conventional mixed-oxide (CMO) method. The optimum values of d33, Kp, Qm and tanδ were 244 pC/N, 0.53, 1034 and 0.0090, respectively, at calcination of 800 °C and sintering of 1050 °C.