Microstructure and strength modification of relaxer ferroelectric ceramicsthrough microwave sintering for multilayer capacitors

Relaxor ferroelectric ceramics with the composition of xPb(Mg1/3Nb2/3) O-3- yPb(Zn1/3Nb2/3) O-3-zPbTiO(3) was fast sintered in a 2.45 GHz microwave sys tem. Microwave-sintered samples illustrate more rapid densification and muc h smaller grain size microstructure than conventional sintered samples. Als o the microwave processing significantly increases the dielectric strength and flexural strength of the relaxor so that its strength becomes comparabl e with modified BaTiO3, and could obtain comparable dielectric properties i n comparison with conventional sintering process. Microwave processing has many advantages for sintering of relaxor ferroelectric ceramics used as mul tilayer capacitors.