SINTERING OF (PB,LA)(ZR,TI)O-3 IN OZONE ATMOSPHERE AND ITS FERROELECTRIC PROPERTIES

Sintering behaviors of (Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O-3(PLZT 8/65/35) ceramics in o zone atmosphere and their ferroelectric properties were investigated. In the early stage of sintering, the presence of ozone prompted the gr owth of crystallites and grains, and promoted densification. Ozone con tent dependence of these structural factors of ceramics influenced the ir optical transmittances, and ferroelectric and electrooptic properti es. Marked improvement of electrooptic coefficients (R=30x10(-16) m(2) /V-2, V-pi=10 V with 0.40-mm-thick plate) was obtained for ceramics si ntered at 1100 degrees C for 24 h in an ozone-rich (180 ppm) atmospher e, as compared with ozone-free ceramics.