Effect of Mechanical Activation on the Structural Properties of Mn-Doped $Na_{0.5}Bi_{0.5}TiO_3$ Ceramics

Piezoelectric ceramics $(Na_{0.5}Bi_{0.5})TiO_3$ + 0.5 mol.% Mn (Mn-NBT) have been synthesized by mechanical activation of mixed oxides BiO₂, Na₂CO₃, TiO₂ and MnO for 1 h at room temperature. Non-activated and activated Mn-NBT powders were characterized by using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Also, the mechanical activation-derived Mn-NBT powders were uniaxially pressed and all pellets were sintered at 1000°C and 1200°C for 2 h in air atmosphere. The microstructure and phase analysis of sintered pellets was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.