Abstract
Samples of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) with part of Zr in the composition corresponding to the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) replaced with different amounts of Ce have been prepared according to the formula Pb(Zr0.535-δTi0.465Ceδ)O3 with δ between 0.0 and 0.05. The sintering has been carried out without any atmosphere powder so as to provide a Pb deficient atmosphere and facilitate the formation of second phase particles. The loss of weight during sintering increases sharply with the initial addition of CeO2 upto δ = 0.0025. The sintered density decreases with the initial addition of CeO2 and then increases, reaching a maximum value at δ = 0.006. The x-ray and weight loss data point to Ce going to the A site in samples with low CeO2. Particles of a CeO2 rich phase are found to form for δ > 0.02. Presence of the second phase particles leads to a significant enhancement in the fracture toughness, KIC, of samples with CeO2 ≥ 0.02. The strength decreases with increasing CeO2 addition and increasing sintering time. These two factors also lead to increased PbO loss during sintering. Highest values of KIC (∼2.9 MPa ml/2) are found in samples with δ= 0.05, sintered for 2 h.
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