Mechanical activation synthesis and dielectric properties of 0.48PFN–0.36PFW–0.16PZN from mixed oxides

Abstract

Nanocrystalline 0.48PFN–0.36PFW–0.16PZN phase of perovskite structure was successfully prepared via mechanical activation of mixed oxides of PbO, Fe 2O 3, WO 3, Nb 2O 5 and ZnO for more than 15 h at room temperature. The powder derived from 20 h of mechanical activation exhibits a particle size in the range of 10–20 nm. It undergoes decomposition upon heat treatment to pyrochlore phase before a single perovskite phase was developed at the sintering temperature of 820°C for 45 min. The sintered ceramic exhibits a density of ∼98% theoretical density and a maximum dielectric permittivity of ∼9357 at the Curie temperature of ∼27°C measured at a frequency of 100 Hz.