PIEZOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF HOT-PRESSED 18PMN-41PZ-41PT CERAMICS

Piezoelectric ceramics of 18PMN-41 PZ-41 PT were sintered by hot-press ing and normal sintering methods. The microstructure, density, P E cur ve and S E curve were also compared. The best hot-pressing condition f or 18PMN-41 PZ-41 PT material was obtained at a temperature of 1 000-d egrees-C and a pressure of 700 kg cm-2; it could achieve 99.66% theore tical density and a fine, uniform microstructure as a result of a 200- 300-degrees-C decrease in the sintering temperature. A higher coercivi ty was attained with the density increase. The fine, uniform microstru cture also enhanced the increase in polarization and strain.