Enhanced Hard and Soft Piezoelectric Properties of (Pb_0.94Sr_0.06)[(Zr_1-xTi_x)-(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)] Multilayer Ceramics Sintered at Low-Temperature

High-power piezoceramics have been utilized in different piezoelectric devices, such as piezoelectric transformers, motors, and ultrasonic transducers. As a large amount of heat is usually generated from high-power devices, the piezoceramics used in these devices need to have a <i>Q</i>_m. Moreover, these high-power piezoceramics should have a large d₃₃ value and a high <i>T_C</i>. In this study, the (Pb_0.94Sr_0.06)[(Zr_1-xTi_x)_0.75(Zn_1/3Nb_2/3)_0.25]O₃ (PS-ZT-ZN) piezoceramics were produced at a low temperature of 950^oC and their structural and piezoelectric properties were investigated. In particular, the piezoceramic (x = 0.50) exhibited the excellent hard and soft piezoelectric properties (<i>d₃₃</i> = 357, <i>k_p</i> = 0.53, and <i>Q_m</i> = 1511) along with a high T_C of approximately 250^oC. Hence, this piezoceramic is a promising material for the high-power devices. Moreover, the PS-ZT-ZN multilayers were fabricated using piezoceramic (x = 0.5) at 950^oC with the 80Ag/20Pd inner electrodes and their structural and piezoelectric properties were also investigated to assess their suitability for use in high-power multilayer devices.