Sintering and characterization of PLZT (9/65/35)

PLZT(9/65/35) obtained by association between the Pechini method (ZT) and p artial oxalate (PLZT) was prepared. The stoichiometric phase and monophasic (cubic) PLZT obtained by calcination did not occur after sintering. The si ntering process, by using two stages, caused a liquid phase formation due t o a PbO excess (5 and 10 wt%). Samples with high density (similar to 8 g/cm (3)) and optical transparency(similar to 12%) were obtained. However, an eq uilibrium between the excess of PbO of sample/atmosphere PbO leads to a seg regated PbO phase on the boundaries of the microstructure. A diffusion of Z r, Ti and La ions from PLZT to PbO phase promoted a stoichiometric deviatio n of the matrix and modified the optical and dielectric characteristics. (C ) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.