Hot-pressed 9.5/65/35 PLZT prepared by the polymeric precursor method

A 9.5/65/35 PLZT ceramic with a Pb-0.905 La-0.095 (Zr-0.65 Ti-0.35)(0.976) O-3 + 35 w% PbO formula was prepared using the Pechini method for powder pr eparation and two-step sintering in an oxygen atmosphere. Thr first step co nsisted of sintering at 1200 degrees C for 4 h with slow heating and coolin g rates. The second step consisted of hot pressing at 1200 degrees C for 3 h, with slow heating and cooling rates and pressing pressures of 20 MPa (in itial pressure) and 40 MPa (at sintering temperature). Investigations were made of the powder phase formation and powder morphology, i.e. the structur e of sintered and hot-pressed PLZT ceramics. SEM microstructural analyses w ere carried out on the sintering and hot-pressing processes. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science Ltd and Techna S.r.l. All rights reserved.