| abstract |
The invention provides a piezoelectric ceramic composition of the general formula {(1-x)(K1-a-bNaaLib)m(Nb1-c-dTacSbd)O3-x(K1/4Na1/4M31/2)M4O3} wherein M3 consists of at least one metal element selected from among Yb, Y, In, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy, Sm, Ho, Er, Tb and Lu; M4 consists of at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr and Sn; and x, a, b, c, d and m satisfy the relationships: 0.001<=x<=0.1, 0<=a<=0.9, 0<=b<=0.3, 0<=a+b<=0.9, 0<=c<=0.5, 0<=d<=0.1 and 0.7<=m<=1.3. Accordingly, sintering difficulty can be resolved, and satisfactory desired piezoelectric performance can be attained. Further, a sintering temperature range satisfactory to such an extent of being suitable for mass production can be ensured, and the occurrence of polarization failure can be suppressed to thereby achieve an enhancement of product yield. |