A SIMPLE SYSTEM FOR THE PREPARATION OF SUBMICROMETER LEAD TITANATE POWDERS BY THE SOL-GEL METHOD

This paper reports a new system for the preparation of lead titanate p owders by the sol-gel method, In this system basic lead acetate, (CH3C OO)(2)Pb . Pb(OH)(2), is used as the lead precursor instead of the wid ely used Pb(OOCCH3)(2) . 3H(2)O and titanium tetrabutoxide monomer. Th is new system simplifies the chemical processing of precursor solution s of lead titanate, increases their stability in air, and offers good control of Pb:Ti stoichiometry. The xerogel, obtained from the precurs or solution by aging at room temperature, is found to have a higher in organic content, Gel-to-ceramic conversion is achieved by calcining th e xerogel at 600 degrees C, The phase purity, particle size, morpholog y, and compositional homogeneity of the gel-derived powders are examin ed by XRD, TER I, and ICP-OES.