Piezoelectric properties, densification behavior and microstructural evolution of low temperature sintered PZT ceramics with sintering aids

Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O-3 Ceramics can be made densified at as low as 800 degrees C for 2 h by incorporating LiBiO2 + CuO as the sintering aids. It exhibits high dielectric constant 1000-1300 and coupling factor 55-60% over a wide t emperature range 800-1000 degreesC. The optimal properties were obtained fo r the ceramics sintered at 880 degreesC for 2 h. The densification behavior was investigated by using nonisothermal techniques. In the densification c urve, the three sintering stages were found for Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O-3 ceramic s with the sintering aids at a certain addition amount. The additives were characterized by TG-DSC. The microstructure development of the ceramics was observed by SEM and compared to that of Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O-3 ceramics. XPS was used to analyze the distribution of the additives in sintered ceramics. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.