Cold‐Pressing and Low‐Temperature Sintering of Alkoxy‐Derived PLZT

Abstract

Multiorganometallic compounds were used to prepare high‐purity submicron‐size lead lanthanum zirconate‐titanate (PLZT) powders which can be consolidated at low sintering temperatures to high‐density piezoelectric and electrooptic ceramic bodies. Simultaneous hydrolytic decomposition of lead isoamyloxide, lanthanum isopropoxide, and zirconium and titanium tertiary amyloxides produced quaternary titanate powders with particle sizes of 75 to 300 Å and analyzed purity of 99.92%; the major contaminant was Na from an intermediate reaction product. Homogeneity and stoichiometry of the powders before and after processing were demonstrated by electron microscopy and chemical analysis. High‐temperature X‐ray diffraction indicated an amorphous material up to ∼600°C, where the crystalline phase was first observed. Powders prepared in this manner sintered to high‐density fine‐grained transparent bodies with uniform microstructure. The experimental results suggest that less rigorous consolidation methods are required with high‐purity homogeneous precursor materials with fine particle size.