Rapid preparation of lead titanate sputtering target using spark-plasma sintering

PbTiO3 sputtering targets 8 cm in diameter were prepared using spark-plasma sintering (SPS) for relatively short periods, similar to2 min. Submicromet er-sized PbTiO3 powders with a relatively large size distribution were dens iried to similar to 86% of the theoretical X-ray density using the SPS proc ess. In contrast, large-sized (8 cm in diameter) ceramics could not be prep ared from starting powders with a relatively narrow particle-size distribut ion. Formation of cracks in the large PbTiO3 targets was observed when samp les were prepared under higher pressures (> 50 Mpa) or at higher temperatur es (> 900 degreesC). Crack formation was attributed to unrelaxed internal s tress originating from lower pore contents and from an inhomogeneous distri bution of cations in the ceramics prepared under these conditions.