Preparation, characterization and property of fine PZT powders from the poly vinyl alcohol evaporation route

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) powders of molar composition 60/40 have been prepared by a chemical method starting from mixed metal nitrate (Zr4+, Ti4+, Pb2+)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution. The precursor powders were obtained by the complete evaporation of the mixed solution. Calcination of the precursors at 500-600 degreesC/2h produced single phase PZT. The metal ion to polymer mole ratio have been studied with respect to the phase constitution, crystallite size, particle morphology, and dielectric properties. The precursor and heat-treated powders were characterized by TG/DTA and XRD analysis. The average particle sizes of the heat-treated phase-pure precursor powders were measured using TEM and a particle size analyzer. The results show that the process provides a technically simple route for the preparation of fine, homogeneous PZT powders at low preparation temperatures. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.