Preparation and characterization of lead zirconate ceramics from high-energy ball milled powder

Lead zirconate (PbZrO3 or PZ) powder was successfully synthesized by a high -energy ball milling process using oxides as starting materials. The milled powders were characterized by XRD, SEM and particle size analysis. Perovsk ite PZ phase is predominant in the milled powder with an average particle s ize of about 20 nm. The sintering behavior of the milled powder was investi gated by a dilatometer, showing a maximum densification occurred at about 9 50 degreesC. PZ ceramics were obtained by sintering the milled powder at di fferent temperatures. The microstructure, grain growth, density and dielect ric property of the PZ ceramics as a function of sintering temperature were investigated and discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.