Microwave calcination of conventionally and sol-gel prepared lead zirconate titanate

Abstract

Microwave calcining of conventionally prepared (mixed oxides) as well as sol-gel prepared lead zirconate titanate (PZT) powders was investigated. Conventionally prepared PZT was calcined with microwave power at 720°C for 45 min, whereas conventional calcination requires 4 h at 800°C. The sol-gel PZT was calcined with microwave power at 600°C for 40 min, whereas 5 h are needed when a conventional furnace is used at the same temperature. Beside reducing the calcining temperature and time, microwave heating also leads to a more uniform particle size distribution in both cases.