Relationships between sintering conditions, microstructure and dielectric properties of lead magnesium niobate

Lead magnesium niobate, (Pb (Mg1/3Nb2/3) O-3; PMN) ceramics have been produ ced by sintering PMN powders synthesized from lead oxide (PbO) and magnesiu m niobate (MgNb2O6). As these PMN powders could be prepared in a reproducib le manner, attention has been focused on relationships between sintering co nditions, phase formation, density, microstructural development and dielect ric properties. A method has been developed whereby volatilisation of PbO c an be minimised, thereby avoiding the formation of pyrochlore phases and ma ximising the perovskite yield. The optimum sintering conditions have been i dentified as 1275 degrees C for 2h. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.